Democrats, Trump clash as shutdown threat looms; Vought orders staffing reductions

WASHINGTON — The risk of a government shutdown intensified this week as Republicans pressed a two-month stopgap funding bill and Senate Democrats signaled they would block the measure without concessions. With funding set to expire at the end of September, the debate centers on how to fund the government into November while addressing Democrats' demands on healthcare subsidies and other policy priorities as Sept. 30 nears.

On Thursday, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought ordered federal agencies to prepare Reduction in Force plans to retain only the minimum staff needed to perform statutory functions if a lapse in funding occurs, a contingency that could lead to layoffs starting Oct. 1. Senate Democrats dismissed the move as intimidation, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it 'an attempt at intimidation' and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries describing Vought as 'a malignant political hack' who said Democrats would 'not be intimidated.'

Democratic leaders have portrayed the standoff as a test of political will. Schumer has maintained a filibuster on the GOP stopgap while pressing Republicans to accept roughly $1.5 trillion in added health-care subsidies as a condition of funding through the fall. Republicans argue that the stopgap can pass with minimal or no Democratic support if enough senators do not block a floor vote.

Historically, the tactics fueling this dispute have generated friction within the party. In March, Schumer allowed a GOP-backed funding measure to pass to avert a shutdown, a move that angered more progressive members who argued they needed a stronger response to the administration’s policies. The ongoing disagreement highlights internal tensions as lawmakers maneuver toward a vote before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Next steps remain fluid. The funding could advance if a sufficient number of Democrats break ranks and permit a floor vote, but if 10 Senate Democrats join Republicans in advancing the measure, the plan could move forward without full Democratic support. The Sept. 30 deadline looms, with agencies already preparing contingency plans should a lapse become imminent.

Any potential shutdown would ripple across federal operations, delaying or halting nonessential functions and triggering furloughs under the RIF planning. The precise impact would depend on agency needs and the scope of any lapse in appropriations, but officials warn that a lapse would complicate operations across multiple departments during a period of ongoing policy battles on health care and other priorities.

Observers say the dispute underscores a broader debate within the party over strategy and messaging, as Democrats balance the demands of a progressive base with the practicalities of governing in a closely divided Congress. The outcome of the talks could shape political dynamics in the weeks ahead as the deadline approaches and lawmakers prepare for a potential floor vote.