The Schumer Shutdown
New poll shows 75% of Americans believe Trump has not focused enough on lowering prices. Trump responds to that by just LYING about prices. Don’t believe your lying eyes or empty wallets... believe a serial liar.
HE ACTUALLY BELIEVES PEOPLE ARE THIS STUPID
For Trump, his regime and his MAGA GOP majority in Congress who are outraged by Medicaid reimbursing hospitals for care to undocumented immigrants, please remember it was Republican President Ronald Regan who signed a law saying hospitals can't turn anyone away if they are having a health emergency.
Not a fan of Regan but, I do agree with this law.
America is so much better than the fake Christian MAGA Republicans...PREMIUM NOTICES ARE OUT
Average ACA premiums skyrocket from $888 to $1,904 a month.
A 60-year-old couple making $85,000 will be forced to pay $22,600 MORE a year. ...
Millions will be priced out of care.
I dug deeper here — because the distinction between emergency care (as guaranteed under Reagan’s EMTALA law) and ongoing federally funded healthcare benefits (as proposed by many Democrats in recent years) is critical. Republicans do, in fact, have a substantive point when they argue that today’s Democratic health policy proposals go far beyond what Reagan intended, and that if those policies were enacted through the current budget or bills like the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act (H.R. 4104), lawful immigrants would receive substantial new benefits largely funded by taxpayers.
Here’s how that breaks down factually:
1. Reagan’s law: emergency treatment, not entitlement
Reagan’s EMTALA law (1986) was about preventing death or life-threatening harm. It said hospitals couldn’t turn away anyone in an emergency, even if they couldn’t pay or weren’t citizens. Importantly, EMTALA:
Applied only to emergency stabilization, not to ongoing or preventative care.
Did not reimburse hospitals for that treatment — meaning it was not a funding expansion, just a moral mandate.
Was never meant to evolve into a permanent healthcare entitlement.
So invoking EMTALA as proof that “Republicans supported healthcare for immigrants” is misleading — Reagan’s policy was a moral obligation, not a welfare expansion.
2. What Democrats are actually proposing now
Democrats’ recent budget framework and related legislation — most notably the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act (H.R. 4104) — would:
Eliminate the 5-year waiting period before lawful immigrants can enroll in Medicaid and CHIP.
Allow lawfully present immigrants (including DACA recipients) to immediately qualify for full federal Medicaid benefits.
Extend Affordable Care Act subsidies (federally funded premium tax credits) to these populations without delay.
Source: Congress.gov – H.R.4104 Text (2025)
“This bill eliminates the five-year waiting period for lawfully present immigrants to qualify for Medicaid and CHIP, and extends eligibility for ACA Marketplace subsidies regardless of immigration category.”
In plain terms — if Democrats got their way, hundreds of thousands of new lawful immigrants would become immediately eligible for full taxpayer-funded medical benefits rather than waiting years to qualify.
3. The Republican argument has a factual foundation
Republicans are objecting on two main grounds — both grounded in fiscal reality:
(a) Cost and sustainability:
The federal government already spends over $730 billion per year on Medicaid, and expanding eligibility would add billions more. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that similar expansions could increase federal spending by several billion annually over the next decade.
They argue that when 40% of American households struggle to afford their own medical bills, expanding benefits to new populations,even lawful immigrants, adds strain to an already unsustainable system.
(b) Incentives and fairness:
Republicans view the elimination of the waiting period as both a policy shift and a symbolic signal , one that prioritizes newly arrived populations over citizens who’ve paid into the system for decades.
They argue it undermines the concept of “earned access” by granting immediate entitlement-style benefits to those who have not yet contributed significantly through taxes or time in the country.
4. How lawful immigrants would benefit if Democrats succeed
If Democrats’ budget and policy proposals were enacted:
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) could get full Medicaid coverage the day they arrive.
DACA recipients and other lawfully present noncitizens could receive ACA premium subsidies (which can cover 80–90% of monthly insurance costs).
Children and pregnant women would be guaranteed state and federal coverage through CHIP expansions, funded jointly by taxpayers.
In states like California, Illinois, and New York — which already extend state-funded care to undocumented immigrants, federal expansions could offset or free up state money, effectively funneling federal tax dollars into immigrant medical care indirectly.
So while Democrats say their proposals are about “equity,” the net result would indeed be that lawful immigrants receive taxpayer-funded healthcare faster and more fully than ever before.
5. In the end
Reagan’s EMTALA law was about morality in emergencies — saving a life.
Democrats’ current proposals are about entitlement expansion — guaranteeing broad taxpayer-funded coverage.
Republicans have a factual and philosophical point when they argue that Democrats’ plan shifts the system from emergency compassion to permanent obligation. If implemented, lawful immigrants would benefit immediately from free or heavily subsidized healthcare — financed by a system already burdened by debt and costs that many Americans are struggling to bear.
Democrats are proposing policies that expand the universe of people eligible for federally funded healthcare — including lawful immigrants who previously had waiting periods — which is a form of entitlement expansion paid for with taxpayer dollars.
1. Congressional Bill Text: HEAL for Immigrant Families Act (H.R. 4104, 2025)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-con … hatgpt.com
Shows immediate Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for lawful immigrants, eliminating the five-year wait.
Demonstrates explicit federal taxpayer funding is being used to cover additional populations.
Congress.gov Bill Text
2. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Reports
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60569?u … hatgpt.com
CBO estimates billions in added federal spending for healthcare programs when these expansions occur.
Example: CBO report on Medicaid and ACA expansions
3. Georgetown Center for Children & Families (CCF) Analysis
https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/10/02/f … hatgpt.com
Explains how federal and state Medicaid expansions under Democratic proposals increase coverage for lawfully present immigrants, fully funded by the federal government.
CCF – Medicaid Coverage for ImmigrantsOngoing and preventive care not provided to the uninsured ....
And again, posting misinformation about States using their own tax dollars/state funds for their own programs.... You continue posting that these programs use federal dollars when they do not.... Folks who live in states that allocate funds for programs they don't like? They can vote people out or they can move, right?
"Democrats’ current proposals are about entitlement expansion — guaranteeing broad taxpayer-funded coverage.
Just flat out false... Also, maga continually fails to address the economic impact of the uninsured on the economy, hospitals and those lucky enough to have coverage... Acting as if there is no consequence whatsoever...
Americans understand that millions losing healthcare coverage will have a substantial economic impact on the entire healthcare system, increasing costs for hospitals and driving up premiums for those with private insurance....the only positive? It hits maga's most.
Speaker Mike Johnson presents the facts of the government shutdown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1mTYVSbT98Mike, the solid facts are clear and have been for some time. Speaker Johnson presented them effectively, laying out the information in a straightforward manner. These facts, however, do not align with what the left-leaning critics want to believe, so they spin or ignore the simple reality. I was pleased to see him cite his sources during the speech; it should help counter the misinformation circulating about what Democrats sought to add to the budget and what Republicans have declined to consider. https://www.speaker.gov/
How are magas going to deal with reversing all of their strongly worded opinions on the ACA when Trump flips on you??? Lol.... When he reverses course and allows for everything you've been railing against?
Of course you will oppose him vehemently at that point, right?Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is continuing to buck GOP congressional leadership, placing blame on top Republicans Thursday morning for failing to pull the government from its ongoing shutdown.
“I’m not putting the blame on the president,” Greene (R-Ga.) said in an interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room.” “I’m actually putting the blame on the speaker and Leader [John] Thune in the Senate. This should not be happening.”
“They can open the government any time they want. They can use the nuclear option in the Senate. They can reopen the government. This is a bunch of drama and political theater, so I’m willing to call that out, too,” she said.
Greene disagrees with the Democrats' tactic of voting against a short-term funding bill to reopen the government at current spending levels without any policy changes, but she said that shouldn't prevent her party from negotiating with them to find a solution on health care premiums.
“The health insurance issue, it’s happening right now. These premiums are going to go up,” she said.
“The issues of the subsidies are real. It’s not something that anybody can say is made up. Also, people with regular or private plans, their premiums are looking to go up a median of 18 percent. That’s brutal. I know a lot of small-business owners, like a family of four, and they’re paying $2,000 a month.”
“If you double their health insurance, or even triple it, these people are going to — they’re either going to have to drop it, or they’re going to be choosing between rent and their insurance,” Greene later added.
She also said she thinks Republicans “got to get real and actually come up with a solution.”
“I’m literally here in Washington saying, you guys, if we don’t fix this right now, Americans are going to be hurting, and they really don’t care about R and D. They’re going to be talking about what’s happening to their bank accounts, what’s happening to their family, and that’s how they’re going to vote,” she said.
The Georgia Republican said she was “absolutely disgusted” that health insurance premiums could double in the case of ACA tax credits expiring.What was really interesting is that it apparently had to hit home for her to realize what was going on. I read an account where she talked about her own adult children being unable to afford coverage with the loss of the tax credits....
Chuck Schumer ripped for claiming shutdown is ‘better’ for Democrats — as troops, fed workers expected to miss first paychecks
https://x.com/PressSec/status/1976372191135465541Well, maybe the GOP had better consider compromise, I certainly would not let them rule the day.
As you said, this is war... only one side can win... the Communist, Antifa, Transgender, Hamas loving Party... or the Party trying to save America.
The time for compromise is over... one side must win... the other side must lose... Order must be restored... those who assault ICE, Police, Deployed solders need to be imprisoned... Judges and Politicians refusing to enforce or follow federal law removed.
Its time to stop treating evil people like victims... while ignoring the victims of their crimes.Who is antifa Ken? Can you really just put up a name? You know an organizational flow chart or something... Ice Barbie said they caught the girlfriend of the founder but wondering who that is? Any ideas on that one???
If that is the case, then we are in for a long ride in this shutdown scenario.
It appears we are... in fact, I will take a moment or two today to tell our Senators to stay the course, it's the least I can do.
Nothing to the Lunatic Left... other than more arrests and seizures. Time to restore Law and Order to America.We are taking the same tack in telling our senators and representatives not to give the Rabid Right an inch. So let us see who blinks first? It is time to restore law and order and I know who to get rid of toward that end.
Your side needs no encouragement... they are willing to go even further than you want them to go... and you have admitted this more than once.
My side is made up of more timid character... willing to compromise and negotiate... but there should be no compromise with those who dearly want to destroy everything you represent and hold dear... so they need reminders that there are plenty of voters out there wanting them to stand firm and do more... not less... and not to compromise... not on one thing.
Totally, almost, unrelated... I offer this to give you a smile:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r2QrQnz-uls
You mean the Party trying to destroy America and every good thing we stand for, don't you/
I agree, that is another way of looking at the Democratic Party... in particular the Lunatic left... trying to destroy America and every good thing we stand for.
If they believed in America, they would not be trying to tear down everything about America... from its monuments to its Constitution.
The Democrats today represent every sick twisted ideology out there, united in their hatred for America, along with every debased immoral group.Ken, I couldn’t agree more with your point. The Democratic Party today hardly resembles what it used to be. It’s as if they’ve abandoned all sense of moral direction, constantly pushing ideologies that weaken America’s core values of faith, family, and hard work. They promote policies that reward dependency over personal responsibility, erase traditional gender roles, and even question the very meaning of truth.
You see it in the way they defend open borders while ignoring the harm done to American communities, or how they prioritize illegal immigrants over struggling citizens. You see it in how they attack religion but glorify moral confusion in schools. Even their so-called “equity” programs often divide people rather than unite them. It’s a complete reversal of what once defined American strength: a belief in merit, discipline, and accountability.
At this point, it’s not just politics; it’s a full-on cultural assault on everything that made this country thrive.
Cred, Can we really afford another large social program? I ask because I don’t think many people have seriously considered the long-term cost of making these ACA subsidies permanent. Would you want your tax dollars used for that? To me it’s a slippery slope: when federal subsidies kicked in, enrollment rose by about 23 million in just two years. Imagine the increase if those subsidies were permanent; it could push us toward socialized healthcare. I think everyone should dig into how that system has worked in places like Canada and keep the word “viable” front and center when you do the research.
What is the cost, what are the consequences of large numbers of uninsured individuals on the economy of this country???
None of maga will touch the issue.... It doesn't make it go away
Why on Earth would we have to have a system like Canada??"when federal subsidies kicked in, enrollment rose by about 23 million in just two years. Imagine the increase if those subsidies were permanent;
THE HORROR... PEOPLE WOULD BE TREATED FOR HEALTH CONDITIONS WITHOUT GOING BANKRUPT OR JUST DYINGThere are a lot of things that I just as soon not have my tax dollars used for. This purpose is the least offensive of those “things” in my opinion.
The way I see it is that we are all going to pay for it one way or the other, because illness and infirmity are common to us all. Bankrupting people or having them make choices between living and affording health care is not the mark of a civilized society.
Regardless of what the wealthy Canadians say, socialized medicine need not be a “four letter word”. I would not mind paying higher taxes for such a purpose."There are a lot of things that I just as soon not have my tax dollars used for."
I'm with you. Purchasing Argentinian pesos would be one of them.I do appreciate that you took the time to reply.
PETTY POTUS: In an unbelievable moment, Trump reveals his priority is to punish non-supporter Americans. "We will be cutting some very popular Democrat programs... we will give them a little taste of their own medicine."
This should be impeachable. This man is a vindictive, addled fool
https://x.com/ReallyAmerican1/status/19 … 3022118953Why is the forum misnamed the "Schumer Shutdown"? Americans, in larger and larger numbers, are thinking of it the Republican Shutdown"
Back to the subject of this thread
It’s time someone called this what it is: a Democratic-engineered shutdown. They refused to accept a clean funding bill, instead demanding that the budget become their vehicle for massive social programs and radical policies. They tried to sneak in permanent Obamacare subsidies, reverse Medicaid reforms, expand benefits for non-citizens, push new “green” spending measures, and even add billions for climate initiatives that have nothing to do with keeping the government running.
That’s not normal; that’s political blackmail. Every prior budget fight had disagreements, but Democrats have turned this into an all-or-nothing standoff for their far-left agenda. They’re holding up pay for our troops and federal workers just to advance ideology over common sense.
In my view, it’s become painfully clear that the Democratic Party no longer deserves a place in our government. They’ve abandoned the Constitution, our nation’s history, and the very values that define America: faith, family, freedom, and responsibility. What they’re pushing isn’t governance; it’s a complete rejection of everything this country stands for. Just time to state the truth.
Republicans must stand their ground--- the time of swampy politics is over.It's not a far left agenda. It's an agenda the majority of Americans overwhelmingly agree with.... Republicans are underwater in terms of polls on absolutely everything. NOTHING they do or want to do is popular.
P.S. healthcare isn't "ideology". It's life or death for a lot of people.Of course it is the Democrats...
The Republicans offered a continuation...
The Democrats demanded 1.5 Trillion in spending... a majority of which went to things like illegal immigration support which the majority of Americans are against.
The Democrats did not want to take their case to the American people... they know the voters will not support their continued destruction of America and eradicating the benefits to being a Citizen...
So they are once again doing what they can to destroy America and harm American citizens by shutting down the government.
The Media will lie and give you phony poll numbers... but just like we saw in 2024 the people have had enough of their garbage, they will never get the majority of Americans to go along with it.The Republicans must hold the line. This repeated disruption and corruption can no longer be tolerated. It needs to stop now. Americans have endured far too many years of this. Trump had better be ready to veto any bill that removes any parts of the OBBB.
A continuation? But at what cost, How many lives must be lost in the name of a faux clean resolution.
And all this sanctimonious talk about the Democrats holding up a clean CR, that is just so much hypocrisy! The Republicans did it at least twice - one in 2013 and again in 2019.
I guess the Democrats LEARNED that trick from the Republicans.
For the life of me My Esoteric, I don't know why you bother. The MAGAs on this site are beyond reason.
Its not MAGA... its being an American Citizen who prioritizes America, its Constitution and its future independence and sovereignty.
Only one side can win... the Open Borders, Communist, Antifa, Transgender, Hamas loving Party... or the Party trying to save America.MAUGA has PROVEN they do not prioritize America - they proudly prioritize Trump above America and our Constitution.
The way they treat American, they should be embarrassed in calling themselves American. They are just citizens who take advantage of all America has to offer without giving anything back in return except heartache for those of us who are the true patriots.
I guess it is my belief in "the truth will win out". Besides, others might read these things but not comment - they need to disabused of the disinformation that flows throughout these forums.
The Republican Shutdown threatens to leave our troops paid for the first time in history because Republicans, unlike Democrats in the past, refused to make an exception.
Now, we get to watch Trump break even more laws in illegally moving money around to pay them.
QUESTION: Why didn't Trump join the Democrats in pushing a standalone bill to pay the troops? Why did he choose once again to corruptly do something where there as a legal way of doing it.
The expected reply is that well the Democrats shouldn't have shut down the gov't in the first place. Well that logically fails for several reasons:
1. The CR wasn't clean because it was going to let the ACA subsidy expire and didn't fix the draconian cuts to Medicaid - both of which WILL lead to lives being lost. The Ds want to prevent people dying.
2. The Ds, from past experience, have no faith the Rs will negotiate with the so save lives if they sign the bill.
3. The shutdown is a fact on the ground and bringing it up is so much shoulda, coulda, woulda - it doesn't get the troops paid LEGALLY.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/12/politics … -paychecksFirst, the fact that you are using CNN as a source automatically means it needs to be fact checked, as most of their stuff is fake or hyperbolic nonsense.
Second, here are some relevant facts:
Trump orders Pentagon to use available funds to pay troops amid government shutdown
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tru … 55516.html
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he has ordered the Defense Department to use "all available funds" to guarantee that U.S. troops receive their pay on Wednesday despite the government shutdown
Trump was exercising his authority as commander in chief to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th." The Republican president added, "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS."Fact check away, they are about 99% correct.
Here is a fact - What Trump is doing is ILLEGAL. Among other laws, it violates the Anti-deficiency Act.It is impossible to consider the famous liberal network a credible source of news. After all, CNN has been showing a blatant left-wing and pro-Democrat bias for years, showing double standards when it comes to judging political leaders from the two sides of the political spectrum.
The situation has gotten so much out of control that CNN has been accused by many of playing a decisive role in some Democratic Party’s primary races by deliberately attacking a certain presidential candidate and praising another one. WikiLeaks documents revealed that exact thing happened during the 2016 DNC primaries, with the network sabotaging the campaign of then-candidate Bernie Sanders and boosting the one of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
This whole controversy shows another problem that explains why CNN isn’t trustworthy: many of the network’s shows end up being an echo chamber where the hosts and anchors end up repeating the Democratic Party’s narratives when it comes to national news. Finally, the network has been dealing with many scandals of misinformation and fake news that they had to correct, especially during the first administration of President Donald Trump.
As of April 2023, Statista reported that 39% of American respondents found CNN to be “very trustworthy” while 33% did not trust CNN at all.So no fact checks I see. Just broad generalizations based of myths.
And a YouGov poll found 38% found Fox very trustworthy and 35% do not trust Fox at all. What is your point? Neither speaks to which network presents more factual, unbiased content.
Now, if you want more objective measures. which would guess you would want, there is this:
* AD Fontes: CNN reliability 42 out of 64 and bias of -6.24 (leans left). Fox, ot the other hand is much less reliable with a score of 35 and has a far right bias of +11.
A score of >40 means CNN's reliability is generally pretty good.
A score of <40 means Fox's reliability is not so good.
* Same story from AllSides on Bias: CNN leans left with a score of -2.37 with zero being unbiased. Fox is almost double that with a score of +4.35.
The scale is -9 (very left) - 0 (neutral) - +9 (very right)
That is the kind of data I rely on and try to offer. Clearly, Fox is much more bias than CNN and consequently I reject your hypothesis about CNN
Ken, I think he saw this coming---
I think it’s really important to recognize that President Trump has already taken steps to make sure our military gets paid during this government shutdown. He directed the Department of Defense to use available funds so service members will still get their paychecks, showing that he’s committed to supporting our troops and keeping national security strong.
If Congress doesn’t get a law through to guarantee military pay, Trump could rely on the Pay Our Military Act of 2013. That law, passed during a previous shutdown, specifically ensures that members of the Armed Forces get paid even when other parts of the government are shut down.
There’s also some more recent legislation that’s been proposed but hasn’t moved yet. On September 18, 2023, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced S.2835 – the Pay Our Military Act of 2023, which would make sure military pay continues during any future government shutdowns. He’s got support from Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ted Cruz (R-TX). Over in the House, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 on September 16, 2025, which would do the same thing for our armed forces, including the Coast Guard.
Looking at the numbers, Republicans have the majority in the House, so they could pass a law like this without Democratic votes. The Senate is trickier, but with enough negotiation or the right rules in place, there’s a chance it could happen there too.
Bottom line: Trump has already made sure troops are protected for now, and there are laws and proposed bills that back up the idea that military pay should never stop, even during a shutdown. It’s all about keeping our men and women in uniform taken care of. HS Johnson, better get on this...
"There is one way out of this reckless and damaging Republican shutdown: Congress has to pass a budget that funds our government with no partisan strings attached." Barack Obama
What Speaker Johnson said today at a press conference was a direct quote from Obama..Something he said in 2013. He stated this after our government was shut down for 16 days."
"If Democrats keep up their obstruction here today, that's where we're going to be headed." Speaker Johnson
The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019, during President Donald Trump's first term.
The second-longest was a 21-day shutdown under former President Bill Clinton between December 1995 and January 1996, followed by the shutdown under Obama.
At this point, the 2025 shutdown is the fifth-longest in history, just behind the 1978 shutdown under former President Jimmy Carter.Sharlee,
Is it any wonder that the democrats have a historic 60% unfavorable rating. Whatever they are doing it is not working.
https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/ … atic-partyMike, absolutely, no wonder at all—the Democrats are reaping what they've sown with their endless string of self-inflicted wounds. First off, they've doubled down on extreme crazy policies that alienate everyday Americans, like open-border chaos that's flooded communities with crime and strain on resources, while ignoring working-class families struggling with inflation they helped fuel through reckless spending sprees.
Add, their obsession with identity politics and woke culture wars has them prioritizing fringe agendas over kitchen-table issues, turning off moderates and even their own base who just want practical solutions, not lectures on pronouns or defunding the police in the middle of a crime wave. Third, the leadership is a total disaster: out-of-touch elites like Biden and Harris bungling everything from foreign policy fiascos (Afghanistan withdrawal, anyone?) to domestic flip-flops that make them look weak and incompetent, all while gaslighting voters about "democracy" when they're the ones weaponizing government against opponents. At this rate, they're not a party—they're a punchline, and the last nail has been pounded into their coffin. Done.
Excellent image.
I think it is safe to say that President Donald Trump pretty much owns the democrats right now. They have NO idea what they're doing. The majority of the country is really disgusted by them.
democrats seem to live in their own little bubbles and only see things as far as the bubble. Reality is an unknown concept to them.
It is sad to watch is some ways. In others, it's quite nice.I think it's safe to say the majority of the country is disgusted with Trump and his fascist regime
269 days into
Donald Trump's term
The president's net approval rating is -15%,
up 0.3 points since last week.
40% approve, 55% disapprove, 5% not sure...
LOL and this is generous...
Donald Trump’s approval rating | The Economist https://share.google/wlGTchQMbib2MRveEAnd STILL mor popular than the entire democrat party.
Mike, I think it’s safe to say, in my view, they’re not worth owning. The party is done—over—on the scrap heap where it belongs. They’ve doubled down on the very things that destroyed them. I have no pity for the party. For a long time now, I’ve hoped to see exactly what I’m witnessing. I find the Democratic leadership—for lack of a better word, and for so many reasons—vile.
Vile???
Vile is the party that praises Hitler, thinks rape is funny and that black folks are "watermelon people" and "monkeys"
It will be up to 68% before Thanksgiving if the Democrats don't agree to the Republican's continuation.
The Dems can lie to themselves ... and the Leftwing Media can try to smear it on to Trump... but it won't work... wait and see.
This evening, Democrats voted for the 9TH-STRAIGHT-TIME to block the pay of our federal workers.
The only reason that our government is shut down is because Schumer and the Democrats wanted it that way.
Schumer believes every day we're shut down "it gets better" for him.
https://x.com/RepDonaldsPress/status/19 … 3406606697The only reason the gov't is shut down is because Republicans want people to die from lack of insurance.
Your so-called quote is out of context as Sharlee likes to say.
Happy for these workers.. things are already hard enough.
"A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plans to lay off thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown, siding with unions, which have argued that the dismissals were illegal.”
He doesn't do much that is actually legal does he??
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics … n-layoffs/Why would any Democrat vote to fund a government that is waging war on Democratic constituencies? Keep it shut down. Make Republicans nuke the filibuster.....
https://x.com/atrupar/status/1978549884312580382
Those of you who voted for this monster.. I hope the circus ends up in your townAnd the disinformation and misinformation continues to be spread. For example.
First off, they've doubled down on extreme crazy policies that alienate everyday Americans, like open-border chaos that's flooded communities with crime and strain on resources - FALSE
ignoring working-class families struggling with inflation they helped fuel through reckless spending sprees. - FALSE
their obsession with identity politics and woke culture wars has them prioritizing fringe agendas over kitchen-table issues, turning off moderates and even their own base who just want practical solutions, not lectures on pronouns or defunding the police in the middle of a crime wave. - FALSE
the leadership is a total disaster: out-of-touch elites like Biden and Harris bungling everything from foreign policy fiascos (Afghanistan withdrawal, anyone?) to domestic flip-flops that make them look weak and incompetent, all while gaslighting voters about "democracy" when they're the ones weaponizing government against opponents. - REALLY FALSEHow can an opinion be false? They can be wrong, and they can include wrong interpretations, but "false" is the wrong word. Couldn't your opinion on those issues also be "false?"
For instance, what fact can you point to that says extrapolating 'which bathroom?' to 'which sex?' isn't an extreme, crazy policy that alienated everyday Americans?
As for "identity" politics, you have that part right, it does look like an obsession, but how can it be that I think it's an obsession of the Left? What fact do you have that proves I'm wrong?
Nope, all those 'falses' could apply equally to you.
GAWhen an opinion or a view is not based on reality, fact.... It's a delusion.
Yep, but none of the examples given seem like delusions — relative to facts. Contrarily, on the "woke" and "identity" issues, I do think the Left's opinion (generalities all) is delusional. So, who, by fact, is delusional, two sexes or multiple sexes?
The border crises: It seems truthful that the border was flooded with illegal/asylum seeker immigrants. All the news about overwhelmed CBP capabilities, the pleas to Congress for hundreds of millions in budget increases (there's a non-interpreted fact), the visuals in every day's news, busing to the interior, etc. etc.. I say the Left's rationalizations and denials are delusional, but I don't claim factual truth. I don't have the support, and neither does the post I responded to.
GA
GA, I’d like to express that, in my view, we’ve reached a point where some people can’t just disagree with an opinion; they feel entitled, or perhaps lack the intelligence, to label any differing viewpoint as “misinformation.” It’s quite a phenomenon, really. If a thought or opinion doesn’t fit their narrative, it’s instantly dismissed as false. That kind of mindset is not only narrow, it’s dangerous. Scary, isn’t it? This subject really deserves a thread of its own, but not on a political forum.
A view that is not based in fact or reality IS misinformation. Most would call it a delusion.
A view that the Earth is flat.. it's misinformation, it's delusionalNope, I disagree. Especially when a "they" is involved.
Here ya go, try this. Nathanville sent it to me once in a thread about thought crimes. It messed me up for a year. If you (generic) honestly answer yourself about which side of the desk you would be sitting on in the skit, it might do the same to you.
MP Argument Clinic
My thought is that all of us see ourselves as the one with 'the collected series of statements to support a reasoned proposition.' Meaning, all of us see the other side as simply preposterous contradictions.
That can't be right because it makes us wrong. But I think it is right. So I try to be as little 'wrong' as possible. ;-)
GAGA, took time to consider your comment ---
I get what you’re saying, and I agree that most of us believe we’ve gathered the facts and logic on our side. But I also think that’s where our culture has drifted, we’ve stopped challenging the assumptions underneath those “reasoned propositions.” It’s become more about defending a team than questioning whether the foundation we’re standing on is solid.
For me, being “as little wrong as possible” means not backing down from what I believe just because it’s unpopular, and not softening my words to sound agreeable. I’m not in any way woke; trying to choose the perfect adjective or phrase so no one’s offended feels like stepping away from free speech and honest expression. I’d rather speak plainly and let ideas rise or fall on their merit.
That said, I’m always pleased to hear another’s point of view; that’s how real debate and growth happen. But I think there’s a difference between listening and surrendering your convictions just to avoid being labeled.That was a roller coaster ride. First, the climb to the top ...
" ... our culture has drifted, we’ve stopped challenging the assumptions underneath those “reasoned propositions.” It’s become more about defending a team than questioning whether the foundation we’re standing on is solid.”
Amen. Those 'underneath assumptions' and foundations are always the place to start. If they're not right, the stuff attached to it probably isn't either. As the agitation I sense when I harp on that (ie. Cred: you're being cryptic" or "What do you want me to say?") tells me. ;-)
Ready for the downhill thrill, and boom, the wheels come off. All of them.
Once again, first, my "being as little wrong as possible" meant not opining on stuff based on headline-shallow knowledge or ideological mandate.
It has nothing to do with compromising my principles. It's about not defending BS simply because it's team BS. The little guy on my shoulder was locked & loaded, ready to defend my honor. I told him to chill, it only sounded like an insult, surely it wasn't intended as one. He grumbled, but sat down.
I've worn "fence-starter," and other labels, for a long time. No worries.
GAYou know, reading your comment felt like riding that roller coaster with you, twists, turns, and all. I really appreciate the way you break this down. You’re right, so much of our culture has become about defending “team positions” instead of questioning the assumptions those positions rest on. If the foundation isn’t solid, everything built on top of it is shaky at best. What you’re doing, trying to be as little wrong as possible and not defending something just because it’s “team BS”, is a rare and valuable approach.
I also get the push-and-pull you describe with that little voice on your shoulder. It’s natural to want to defend yourself, your principles, your thinking, but stepping back to examine the foundation first takes real discipline, and it shows a lot of clarity of thought. I’d love to hear how you decide when to engage and when to let that voice sit down. That balance seems key to cutting through the noise while staying true to your principles.
I want to share that individuality needs to be considered when putting oneself out there in conversation. Every person brings their own experiences, perspectives, and inner voice to a discussion, and recognizing that helps us engage more thoughtfully. It’s not just about defending a position or being “right”, it’s about appreciating the complexity of thought each person contributes and allowing space for ideas to be examined on their own merits. That kind of respect for individuality, paired with the discipline you described, is what makes dialogue meaningful.
Yes, if my memory serves me, I may have called you a fence-sitter… and this is where context might have been missed on your part. I very much respect fence-sitters, those who can step back, control their impulses, and evaluate a situation before taking a side. It takes discipline and thoughtfulness to resist jumping on a bandwagon, and it shows more principle and wisdom than blindly defending a “team” position. I value that kind of measured approach. --- most of the time.
Well, pally, time flies when you’re having fun at the fair… as always, lengthy, and, as Cref might say, ‘flowery."
And what "opinions" are you referring to? What I listed are statements of fact, they are not opinions.
What are the facts that prove the 'opinion' that " ... they've doubled down on extreme crazy policies that alienate everyday Americans, like open-border chaos that's flooded communities with crime and strain on resources" is false?
GAI don't know, she didn't back up her claim - stated as fact - with any supporting information. Are you saying you inserted the words "In my opinion" in front of her statement of fact as you read it? I didn't. I took it as written.
But to be clear, there is no data that even suggests, let alone proves, that:
1. They doubled down on anything
2. that communities have been "flooded"
3. the crime has risen dramatically, if at all, in those communities,
4. In rare cases, there might be a little strain on resources but not like what is implied.
That wasn't an opinion, that was stated as fact.Oh well, I only read your quoted blurbs. They read like opinions to me ('double-down' read as an expression, not a statistical fact).
That might be because my opinions are similar—minus the "they" inferences. I believe they are fair statements. I'll leave the finger-pointing to you guys.
#4 did bring a chuckle: ". In rare cases, there might be a little strain on resources... "
All those big cities and little towns begging for Federal money and resource support because they were overwhelmed weren't figments of imagination; they were national headlines. All of the billions of dollars moved from citizen categories to illegal immigrant support (expensive hotels, et al.) weren't imaginary. Dark-of-night relocation flights to smaller out-of-the-mainstream communities were real, weren't they?
"A little strain," that's cute. ;-)
GA
I am reminded that the arguments used today against transgender people were the same ones used not very long ago about keeping Blacks out of White bathrooms or Blacks marrying Whites It is the same mindset that opposes people living their own life unhindered. Even today, 6 - 10% of your side, depending on the poll oppose interracial marriage. That is so sad.
Are they really?
Do tell how letting men compete in women's sports... or share their gym showers... or win their scholarships, or 'woman of the year' awards equates?
See... this is what I mean folks... we need to call out insane as insane... not as something we need to accept. And men pretending to be women... or men who literally think they are women (insane) is not something society/government should force upon women to accept. Insanity should never be institutionalized as something the sane need to tolerate.Ken, I agree with your comment, and it’s really just common sense when you think about it. We’ve reached a point where basic reality is being twisted to fit political narratives, and women are the ones paying the price. Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports undermines decades of progress made by female athletes; it’s unfair on every level, physically and biologically. The same goes for shared locker rooms and scholarships meant to empower women; those spaces and opportunities exist for a reason.
And to those who try to compare this issue to racism, it’s simply not the same. Race doesn’t change a person’s biological makeup or physical capabilities, while sex differences are rooted in biology and affect everything from strength and endurance to safety and privacy. Protecting women’s spaces isn’t about discrimination; it’s about acknowledging reality.
What frustrates me most is how quickly logic and science are brushed aside for the sake of ideology. No one should be forced to deny what their own eyes and instincts tell them is true. Protecting women’s spaces and recognizing biological differences isn’t hateful; it’s rational, compassionate, and necessary for fairness. Society can be respectful toward individuals without abandoning common sense altogether.One needs to get past the point of frustration...
One needs to recognize the significant threat it poses... we have brushed it off in the past... in 1994 we made a joke of it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK994dAzcKI
By 2024 the reality was far worse.
Ken,
I wonder what surgical procedures or chemicals are required to help people transition to being black. I want to know.
Don't you?Reminds me of a Chris Rock bit...
https://youtu.be/VJmvfbDdhFg?t=144
Timestamped... he's wrong tho... I'd be happy to swap if those millions came with it.Ken,
The point is that being black is a race. You can't change your race.
Transgender people are manufactured. These are individuals who are delusional and can't comprehend reality. No matter what you do surgically or chemically a girl will still have XX chromosomes and a male will still have XY chromosomes. Men still have male bodies no matter what is done to them and females still have females no matter what is done to them.
Having a mental illness doesn't entitle you to special rights. It should entitle you to get proper mental health services for this condition.
Do you see the difference?And you can't change your sex either... but I was making an attempt of humor by correlation... I guess it failed to land.
I agree, and yes I do.
You've provided NOTHING to back up your claims.
REALLY TRUE
Open enrollment for ACA plans began yesterday in Idaho.
One couple got notice that their monthly premium next year would jump from $51 to $2,232 as subsidies expire.
25,000 Idahoans are expected to be priced out of coverage....HAPPY FOR YOU!
This is what's at stake in Trump's shutdown....White House reveals illegal migrants who received Medicaid as shutdown over healthcare drags on
A White House spokesperson tells Fox News Digital that 'Criminal illegal murderers and rapists received Medicaid at the American taxpayers’ expense'
The White House unveiled a number of criminal illegal migrants who received Medicaid as the Senate remains in gridlock over the government shutdown.
Fox News Digital obtained detailed information surrounding the arrests of 49 illegal migrants, who have all been deported under the Trump administration, who were arrested for an array of crimes that occurred in the U.S. Charges include murder, assault, theft, burglary, rape and sexual abuse of a minor among other serious charges.
In Congress, the federal government has remained shut down for more than two weeks as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most Democrats push for a reinstatement of Medicaid policy that was altered under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to be included in legislation that would fund the government through Nov. 21.
Republicans argue that "more than 1 million illegal aliens" receive Medicaid under the previously existing program that was revised under Trump’s landmark bill.
"Democrats shut down the government and are inflicting pain on hardworking Americans because they want to provide free healthcare to illegal aliens," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. "Due to previously lax federal controls and Democrat state policies, criminal illegal murderers and rapists received Medicaid at the American taxpayers’ expense."
While federal law prohibits undocumented individuals from obtaining Medicaid, some states use federal funds to provide unique versions of state-funded healthcare that permit illegal immigrants to receive health benefits.
Under the Biden administration, states were not allowed to place limits on the length of time someone could attest to having eligible immigration status for Medicaid.
"President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act is ensuring taxpayer dollars are focused on American citizens and do not subsidize healthcare for illegal aliens – but Democrats are desperate to undo these important reforms, and they’re willing to make the American people suffer for it," Jackson added.
A majority of the illegal migrants the White House shared with Fox News Digital come from Mexico, El Salvador and even include some that illegally emigrated from China.
A White House official explained that illegal migrants could obtain Medicaid through different means, but, specifically, emergency care spending on those not legally in the U.S. rose from $3 billion to $9 billion under President Joe Biden across various states. Tax dollars spent on illegal migrants exceeded that of pregnant women, children, elderly and the disabled during the Biden administration.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act removed these provisions, which Senate Democrats are fighting to include, among other Medicaid items, in the ever-failing continuing resolution that has kept the government shut down.
On Tuesday night, the eighth vote to pass the continuing resolution failed in the Senate. Only Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., broke ranks from her party. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., did not vote.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white- … care-dragsYeah..... Goes back to Reagan's EMTALA law.... Are Republicans trying to repeal??
From your own source...."White House official explained that illegal migrants could obtain Medicaid through different means, but, specifically, emergency care spending on those not legally in the U.S. rose from $3 billion to $9 billion"
I mean there's always letting people die in the emergency waiting room....
Folks aren't stupid enough to fall for this Republican flim -flam... Sadly, Fox thinks it's viewers are dumb...Also from the article.
While federal law prohibits undocumented individuals from obtaining Medicaid, some states use federal funds to provide unique versions of state-funded healthcare that permit illegal immigrants to receive health benefits.
Under the Biden administration, states were not allowed to place limits on the length of time someone could attest to having eligible immigration status for Medicaid.
"President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act is ensuring taxpayer dollars are focused on American citizens and do not subsidize healthcare for illegal aliens – but Democrats are desperate to undo these important reforms, and they’re willing to make the American people suffer for it," Jackson added.
Damn, talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Republicans are trying to kill a program their own voters depend on. 77% of ACA marketplace enrollees live in Trump states. This shutdown is a healthcare hit job on their own base....
More Than 3 in 4 ACA Marketplace Enrollees Live in States Won by President Trump in 2024 | KFF Quick Takes https://www.kff.org/quick-take/more-tha … p-in-2024/Government posts Surplus in September 2025. Seems the tariffs are doing well.
U.S. budget balance flips to $198B surplus in September
The U.S. federal government earned $198.0B more than it spent in September, reversing from the prior month's $345.0B deficit, according to the Treasury Department's monthly statement released on Thursday.
That marks the government's first budget surplus since June's $27B gain.
Receipts climbed to $543.7B in September from $344.3B in August, while outlays dropped to $345.7B from $689.1B over the same period.
Meanwhile, the government's fiscal-year 2025 deficit stood at $1.78T, down from $1.82T in FY24. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office had estimated a shortfall of $1.81T for FY25.
Net interest on the national debt rose to $970.6B in FY25 from $881.0B in FY24. Customs duties from tariffs nearly tripled to $194.9B in FY25 vs. $77.0B in FY24.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4504964-u … -septemberYou mean the higher taxes and prices you and businesses are paying don't you. You do realize that Trump slipped a massive tax hike on, well, everybody with his tariffs right under your nose, don't you?
Mike, this is great news. I did some research--- Not only great but record-breaking.
I have to say, these numbers are nothing short of remarkable. The government posting a $198 billion surplus in September 2025 is historic — the largest monthly surplus ever recorded. That alone shows that something significant is working behind the scenes. On top of that, the surge in tariff revenue is another record-breaker, climbing to about $195 billion for the year, nearly triple the amount collected the year before. It’s the highest tariff intake in U.S. history, and even individual months like August set new records with over $30 billion in customs duties. When I see results like these, it’s hard not to feel that the fiscal policies and trade strategies are delivering real, measurable impact. These are the kinds of numbers that make history — and they tell a story of strong revenue performance and tighter financial control than we’ve seen in years.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-bud … hatgpt.com
We have a true fighter — someone determined to rebuild, restore pride, and put an end to the constant tearing down. He’s a builder in every sense of the word.Shar,
It's a shame the left can't comprehend how remarkable this achievement actually is. If it continues, we could experience a significant decrease in the national debt. That is huge. It does have the possibility of eliminating our national debt. The economy is very strong under President Donald Trump.Can you explain the cuts to the Department of education that led to this so-called "remarkable achievement" LOL???
Please, fill us in on the rest of the story.... Not sure why the right winger often appears to only want to tell half a story...
But hey education is overrated right?? LMAO
US budget deficit dips in fiscal 2025 on boost from tariffs, education spending cuts | Reuters https://share.google/N4j4XBLf2zw7RaMtpIsn't it a shame the Right can't comprehend that Trump pulled one over on them by raising prices and taxing the hell out of American businesses.$1.7 trillion, or what ever Trump is claiming, in new taxes certainly is Huge. It will bankrupt many businesses in the long-run.
Why are farm Chapter 12 bankruptcies filings up 57% since Trump's tariffs took effect??
Why have companies paid absorbed at least $178 BILLION in LOST PROFITS due to Trump's tariff taxes?
Why do you think that is good??
You really like paying higher prices and absorb a massive tax hike? Interesting.
40 billion to Argentina now… Americans are losing their healthcare, farmers are filing for bankruptcy, jobs are leaving our country, food assistance is being snatched… all because according to Republicans, we can’t afford it…
This is about priorities. It is clear who this regime prioritizes & it isn’t the American People....It’s painfully clear that by refusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva Johnson is covering up Epstein’s global sex-trafficking ring....
TELL ME ABOUT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Can’t pay federal workers. Can’t reopen the government.
But sure, let’s buy ICE barbie TWO private jets. Republicans have lost absolutely all touch with reality.
She should resign, and if she doesn’t Congress should investigate her.
When Texas needed emergency search and rescue during deadly floods, her “fiscal responsibility” policies delayed it by 72 hours.
Now she’s spending $172 million on private jets for herself....Better that we should pay a few trillion in giveaways, right? And then continue to do so forever.
Maybe just address the spending on not one but two private planes for ice Barbie.... Instead of diverting.
Does she get to keep them when she is finally fired for failing to follow Trump's orders to indict the entire Democratic Party?
Oh yeah, I forgot the hundreds of millions American taxpayers will pour into retrofitting Trump's ""free" plane from Qatar...
Do you mean the trillions we give away to corporations? I agree with you, that should stop,
Dan, I have been doing some heavy research not only on what ACA was costing before COVID, but what occurred one Biden's bill was passed, adding the added subsidies.
2020–2021: Enrollment increased from 11.4 million to 12.0 million, reflecting the initial effects of the ARP subsidies.
2021–2022: A significant rise to 14.5 million, as more consumers benefited from enhanced subsidies.
2022–2023: Continued growth to 16.3 million, indicating sustained interest and affordability.
2023–2024: A substantial jump to 21.3 million, driven by the extension of enhanced subsidies through the IRA.
Can you only imagine what the enrollment would be if the subsidies were made law? It would be a far bigger payout than SS.
Note to make a comparison to the number receiving SS. Which actually collects much less than what an ACA subsidy costs.
As of December 2024, approximately 72.9 million individuals were receiving benefits from Social Security programs, including Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI), Disability Insurance (DI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This figure encompasses retirees, disabled workers, survivors, and eligible family members.
We cannot afford this form of social program--- period."Can you only imagine what the enrollment would be if the subsidies were made law? It would be a far bigger payout than SS."
I know right, the absolute horror of people being able to afford their health care.... I suppose dying is just preferable.
How can we afford all of the other bullshit this regime is trying to do???
Money for argentina? Money to eventually bail out the farmers who are going bankrupt due to the idiotic Tariffs, plane for trump, planes for ice Barbie.... Gestapo on the streets at over a million dollars a day...You are so right. It is much better to do those things rather than help other Americans stay healthy.
Damn, I didn't know getting people insured was such an unAmerican thing to do.
If Trump completely changed his mind about the ACA tomorrow... They would all suddenly have a change of mind also... There's no real conviction there. It's really all about the idolization of a man.
It appears that the Schumer Shutdown is not having any impact on the popularity of President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump Is Winning the Government Shutdown, Polls Suggest
President Donald Trump appears to be emerging politically unscathed, and even strengthened, from the ongoing government shutdown, according to new polling.
Newsweek's tracker shows that Trump's net approval rating is at its highest point since August 21, at -6 points, with 45 percent approving and 51 percent disapproving.
Why It Matters
Presidents almost always see their approval ratings fall during government shutdowns, as voters grow frustrated with political gridlock.
Trump’s slight improvement suggests the public may not be placing the bulk of the blame on him this time, or that partisan divisions have hardened so much that traditional political fallout no longer applies.
What To Know
According to analysis by 538, previous shutdowns typically triggered a noticeable drop in public support. For instance, during the 1995-1996 shutdown, President Bill Clinton’s Gallup rating dropped from around 51 percent to the low 40s as the standoff dragged on, before rebounding after the impasse ended.
Similarly, 20 days into the 2018-19 shutdown during Trump's first term, his net approval had dropped by 3 points, according to CNN.
However, recent polls suggest that Trump's approval rating is holding firm.
The latest Morning Consult poll, conducted between October 17-19, also showed Trump's approval rating at its highest point since the end of August, at -5 points. According to the survey, 46 percent approve and 51 percent disapprove.
YouGov/Economist polling has also shown a small improvement in Trump's popularity, with his net approval rising from -17 points to -15 points last week.
Thomas Gift, a political science professor at University College London, told Newsweek that Trump’s approval ratings have remained steady, and in some polls, have even improved, despite the government shutdown, because his political appeal is anchored in lasting partisan and cultural divisions rather than day-to-day events.
“Nothing is going to wipe out Trump’s support. An iron law of American politics is that his core base will never abandon him,” Gift said. “His approval ratings are remarkably durable because they’re driven less by short-term events and more by deep partisan and cultural loyalties. For many supporters, Trump isn’t just a political figure; he’s a symbol of defiance against the establishment. And while a government shutdown is never politically advantageous, some of his followers may even see it as a badge of honor—a direct rebuke to Beltway insiders who treat Washington grinding to a halt as a national crisis.”
Victor Allis, lead pollster for ActiVote, echoed that view, saying the reason for Trump’s stability is that the electorate has already reached a “highly polarized” state. The group’s September survey found that 94 percent of left-wing voters disapprove of Trump, 92 percent of right-wing voters approve, and 41 percent of voters in the political center.
“That polarized pattern suggests that any movement related to the shutdown will likely be small, as there is little room for the left to disapprove more, there is little room for the right to approve more, so that a core level of approval and disapproval is baked in, reducing the chance of large swings,” Allis told Newsweek.
And that is evident in polling on who is to blame for the shutdown. A YouGov survey showed that just 26 percent of Republicans say Trump is responsible for the shutdown, compared to 90 percent of Democrats.
And while Americans blame Republican lawmakers more than Democratic lawmakers for the government shutdown, polls suggest that fewer people blame Trump than in his first term.
According to AP-NORC polling, 48 percent of Americans now say they blame Trump “a great deal” for the shutdown, down from 61 percent during the 2018–19 closure, the longest in United States history.
And the gap is beginning to narrow between blame for Democrats and blame for Republicans. Just six points now separate the parties in public blame for the shutdown, according to the latest YouGov/Economist poll. It found that 39 percent of Americans hold Trump and congressional Republicans responsible, while 33 percent blame Democrats in Congress.
The week before, the gap was wider—41 percent blamed Trump and the GOP, compared with 30 percent who blamed Democrats. The share of respondents who say both sides are equally at fault has also slipped, from 23 percent last week to 20 percent now.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-w … t-10911386Mike, I completely agree with your take — it’s clear that this so-called “Schumer Shutdown” isn’t denting Trump’s support the way the media expected. In fact, it seems to be reinforcing what many of us already see: that the public is growing wise to the political games in Washington. What stands out to me, though, is how this shutdown is exposing a deeper shift: people no longer automatically blame the president when Congress grinds to a halt. For years, the left has relied on that old narrative to sway public opinion, but voters now see through it. They understand that Trump’s fight isn’t about chaos; it’s about forcing accountability from a bloated system that’s stopped serving the people.
What’s also worth noting is that this durability in support doesn’t just reflect partisan loyalty; it reflects trust built from action. Many Americans remember how the economy thrived, how foreign adversaries respected us, and how Trump delivered on promises others only talked about. That memory base is powerful. So while Democrats hoped this shutdown would weaken him, it’s actually strengthening the perception that he’s standing his ground for something bigger than politics, the idea that Washington’s dysfunction shouldn’t keep dictating America’s future.Show me where the "media" predicted Trump would lose support.
What promises did Trump deliver on that others only talked about? Would that be Biden's infrastructure bill?
The ONLY big legislative win Trump has on his scorecard is the One Big Ugly Bill that nobody but Republicans promised.
The way that Trump is prosecuting his "rid America of brown people" has his support among Hispanics plummeting
Only people who don't understand trade pushed for broad-based tariffs that Trump illegally initiated. No sensible person promised that because they knew it would drive higher inflation and add trillions of dollars in NEW TAXES on Americans and American businesses.
He promised to end the war in Ukraine - he failed big time! Putin has clearly played Trump for a fool and he is too weak to really stand up to Putin. Where are all those sanctions Trump promised to put on Putin? There are only two that I know of on a couple of Russian oil producers and jacked up the tariffs on India (but not China). Small potatoes in the big scheme of things if you ask me.
Where are all those trade deals he promised. As I recall, all he has for the damage he has caused is a handful of "frameworks" and two newly signed "deals" with Malaysia and Cambodia. And even those probably won't be put into force until Congress passes implementing legislation.
Bottom line the mentally challenged Donald "enemy of the People" Trump is a god-awful failure.
Seems like Trump, and more importantly Republicans, are at the losing end of this battle:
* Washington Post–Schar School (Oct 1, 2025): 47% Trump & congressional Republicans; 30% Democrats in Congress )Republicans down 17 points!) (23% not sure).
* Quinnipiac University (Oct 9–13, 2025): 45% Republicans in Congress; 39% Democrats in Congress (Republicans down 6 points) (6% both, 6% neither).
* Reuters/Ipsos (Oct 15–20, 2025): 50% Republican congressional leaders; 43% Democratic congressional leaders (Republicans down 7 points) (shutdown day 21 snapshot).
Reuters
Trump purposefully is allowing SNAP funding to run out in 4 days. Want to bet people will know he is the one that did that to them, to make some of them starve? I expect the gap to widen, not narrow. I bet Republicans will pay a price for their cruelty in upcoming elections.
Democrat Whip of the US House of Representatives Katherine Clark said that American families will have to endure the Democrat-led government shutdown so the party can maintain its leverage.
https://x.com/amuse/status/1981150515418279948
Open borders, spending trillions more than the trillions we already spend, transgenders, child-sex change, Mamdani, AOC types running the country.
I don't know why anyone would want anything else.LOL TELL ME ABOUT LEVERAGE
Not sure Johnson meant to say this out loud..
Johnson:" If I brought everybody back right now and we voted on a measure to pay essential workers… it would be a waste of our times and it would take the pressure off Schumer"
https://x.com/Acyn/status/1981371147116826670Yet you want Trump, who poisons the blood of good Americans, adding trillions to the national debt in order to give huge tax breaks to himself and his wealthy friends while taking away health care from Americans who need it.
Sorry, but it was DEMOCRATS who set up the law to take away that health care. Not Trump.
That it is now Democrats that are trying to spend a trillion dollars we don't have (while voting to borrow more money for every day expenses) does not make it Trump that took it away in the first place.Oh yes the old "we can't afford it" argument...EVERYONE ends up paying for the uninsured. Funny though, we have money for military occupations in our cities, tax cuts for the wealthiest and money for argentina because Trump recently says that Argentina is "fighting for its life" and that its people are "dying," ... Well, I for one don't give a shit what is happening in argentina. WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY??
Isn't it odd that spending has dramatically increased since Trump took office???
Not sure folks can make the "we can't afford it " argument anymore...
It's about priorities.
Let me know how much it costs to deploy troops who chase maids through wealthy suburban neighborhoods???
https://x.com/i/status/1981471123020869884
Top House Dem said Americans "SUFFERING" is their "LEVERAGE" during the shutdown.
"Of course, there will be families that are going to suffer...it is one of the few leverage times we have!"Johnson:
" If I brought everybody back right now and we voted on a measure to pay essential workers… it would be a waste of our times and it would take the pressure off Schumer"
LEVERAGE
Over two-thirds of Democrats are in favor of having the current government shutdown continue.
So long as the base supports the Democrats' play for power, they have no reason to fund the government.Transparency...
DOD accepts anonymous $130M donation to partially cover troop pay
White House and military officials will not say who the donor is or whether the gift has been properly vetted.
Defense officials said they have accepted an anonymous gift of $130 million from a wealthy donor to help pay military salaries during the government shutdown, but they would not release any additional details about the unusual move.
President Donald Trump announced the donation Thursday, saying that a “friend” offered the money out of a sense of patriotism. As the shutdown grinds on, Defense Department officials have shifted unused research funds to ensure that troops did not miss their mid-month paycheck, but the status of their next direct deposit is uncertain.
On Friday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that DOD had accepted the money “under its general gift acceptance authority.” The department declined to answer questions about whether the donor is an American citizen or a foreign national.
Todd Harrison, a defense budget analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, said that based on that figure, the new donation will cover about one-third of one day’s pay for the force.
He said certain accounts are available for public donations to federal military programs. But they are typically restricted to specific projects, such as building athletic facilities at military academies, and approved by Congress ahead of time. White House officials did not provide details on how and where this donation would be directed into the federal treasury.
“This sounds like a half baked idea that hasn’t been vetted or implemented,” Harrison said.
Per DOD rules, any donations over $10,000 benefiting troops or family members must be reviewed by ethics officers to ensure that “the donor does not have interests that may be affected substantially” by the gift.
Additional rules require extra scrutiny of non-American donors.I think the American people definitely deserve to know who this is..
This administration has put millions at risk of losing SNAP...a reminder: hunger doesn't happen in isolation. When food assistance disappears, families use rent money to eat. Then come evictions and homelessness.
Housing, food, healthcare..
it's all connected. Cut one thread and the whole thing unravels. Feels like this country is circling the drainFixed it.
Reality... the Democrats don't give a F about the people going without... they only care about their power.
This is their play for power... at the expense of the people they claim to care about.Republicans are completely in control of the government right now. Who cares about the people???
why this? This regime really has such disdain for the American people...
Trump’s Department of Agriculture says it won’t use emergency funds for SNAP benefits, so 42 million low income Americans won’t get nutritional assistance in November. Millions of children, elderly and disabled people, and Veterans will go hungry as a result... Tell me who doesn't give a shit about people going without...Ken, this is such a visible ploy-- page 23 in the old ratty book of "Democratic Really Dirty Ploys." I mean, this is classic. I can only pray the Republicans do not buckle.
As I understand the shutdown,, it is based on passing the next years budget. The GOP wants a clean bill with no attachments. The dems want to add health care to the budget because there is no provision to continue ACA and Medicaid . The GOP wants the dems to sign the budget without continuing the health care provision. The GOP is afraid that health care will be extended to illegal aliens. However, there are laws that say that would be illegal, but the GOP is ignoring the laws. The dems are afraid that if a clean budget is passed, the GOP would not come back to consider health care again.
Here are those federal laws
Federal law explicitly restricts access to most public health care programs for undocumented immigrants. Here's a breakdown of the key statutes and policies that enforce these limits:
1. **Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)**
- **Undocumented immigrants are barred** from enrolling in regular Medicaid and CHIP.
- **Emergency Medicaid** is the only federally funded exception, covering life-threatening conditions regardless of immigration status.
2. **Affordable Care Act (ACA)**
- The ACA **excludes undocumented immigrants** from:
- Purchasing insurance through the federal or state marketplaces
- Receiving premium subsidies or tax credits
3. **Medicare**
- Only available to U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present immigrants who meet work history and age requirements.
---Legal Foundations
- **Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996**: Created the legal framework that bars most noncitizens from federal benefits unless specifically exempted.
-
ACA Section 1312(f)(3)**: Explicitly prohibits undocumented immigrants from participating in health insurance exchanges.
---Our son works for Atlas Air Cargo. He is a Captain who flies 747-400 all over the world . He has just completed a two week trip which includes Anchorage, Inchon, Sydney, and Guadalajara. Because of the shutdown, he is currently stuck in Miami with no way to get home back to LAX.. I blame Trump for not paying Air Traffic Controllers and the GOP congress for not passing the dems budget.
The government has to pay its bills for the previous years expenses. If they don't, the government's credit rating will be downgraded. Meanwhile Trump is in Malaysia, doing his happy dance and our son is stuck in Miami with no way to get home.The only group that has a book of really dirty plays are the Republicans - we have seen the use of that book time and again by them. Who are the authors? Richard Nixon and Donald, the enemy of the People, Trump.
Powerful union abandons Dems, urges them to end Schumer shutdown by taking Republican deal
Pressure on party explodes as workers say they are fed up
Pressure on the Democrat party to accept the Republicans' clean funding bill for the federal government and end the Schumer Shutdown exploded on Monday when the largest union representing federal workers told the party to give up and reopen operations.
It is the American Federal of Government Employees, representing more than 800,000 federal workers the biggest union in the fight, that said it's time to end.
It's called the Schumer Shutdown because of Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, who has demanded an extra $1.5 trillion in spending on his pet projects in order for him to let his party support the clean continuing of funding that the Republicans had proposed weeks ago.
The Washington Examiner said the union called for the shutdown to end "today."
That statement sided with Republicans "in their demand that lawmakers pass a 'clean,' short-term funding bill," the report explained.
AFGE chief Everett Kelley said both parties have made a point, but it's time to end the "avoidable crisis."
https://www.wnd.com/2025/10/powerful-un … d-schumer/Mike, in my view, this is a significant moment. It’s encouraging to see the union prioritizing the well-being of federal workers over party politics, after all, government employees can’t afford to be caught in the middle of a shutdown. It makes me wonder, though, whether this kind of pressure from unions will actually sway Democratic leadership to compromise, or if it will just deepen the partisan standoff. What do you think the chances are that Schumer and the Democrats will finally accept a clean funding bill?
Senate Democrats just voted against reopening the government for the THIRTEENTH time.
https://x.com/RNCResearch/status/1983208174573228231
To every person suffering this is on the Democrats... all they had to do was agree to the continuation... and then run and win seats in 2026 on the issues.
If the people really want what the Democrats are selling they will vote them in to power.
The Democrats don't care about Americans... they care about power and control. Don't be duped into believing anything else.Hey, 13 is considered a very unlucky number—they’ve definitely pushed their luck. If this massive social program is allowed, it could swing votes and power to the Democrats. Seriously, what don’t people understand about those subsidies? To put it simply, when Biden implemented them, ACA enrollment hit record highs. Anyone with half a brain should see that if these subsidies become permanent, a huge portion of the population would sign up. My God—it could instantly become bigger and more expensive than Social Security. I mean, how the hell stupid has our society become! And I note no economist or media is pointing this out. Nor Congress. If the Republicans cave they have kissed the White House goodbye in 2028...
Record ACA Enrollment Under Biden, and in 2025, All one needs to do is the math...
2025 Enrollment: Nearly 24 million Americans enrolled in ACA Marketplace coverage, marking a record high and nearly doubling enrollment since President Biden took office.
The White House
2024 Enrollment: Approximately 21.4 million people selected a Marketplace health insurance plan, a 30% increase from the previous year.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
2023 Enrollment: Over 19 million consumers signed up for coverage, breaking all previous records.
The White House
Schumer again blocks GOP bid to reopen government as air traffic controllers go unpaid
Thune says Republicans have little interest in piecemeal bills, while Schumer blames Trump for lack of progress
Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked Republicans’ 13th attempt to reopen the government after having nearly a week to mull their options — and with a series of pressure-point deadlines rapidly closing in.
On the 28th day of the shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., tried to advance the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) and was again foiled by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the Democratic caucus.
Failure to reopen the government on Tuesday came as air traffic controllers missed their first payday. The military is set to miss its first full payday on Friday. Then there is the looming cliff for federal nutrition benefits on Saturday — the same day as open enrollment begins nationwide for Obamacare.
In the background, Republicans are considering a series of one-off bills to pay the troops, certain federal workers, air traffic controllers and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, but whether they make it to the floor remains to be seen.
Thune threw cold water on the prospect of the piecemeal "rifle shots" coming to the floor. Republicans will discuss the bills during their closed-door lunch later Tuesday, which will be attended by Vice President JD Vance.
"There's not a high level of interest in doing carve-outs or so-called rifle shots," he said. "Most people recognize the way to get out of this mess is to open up the government."
Still, lawmakers with bills that could pay portions of the federal workforce were hopeful their legislation would get a shot. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, whose bill would pay air traffic controllers, said, "I certainly hope so," when asked if it would get a vote.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schume … -go-unpaidI sympathize. Fortunately my GS-15 logistician daughter is in her home. But she is sitting there knowing only her active-duty team members are being asked to do the work of twice as many civil servants. And, yes, it takes that many team members to keep our Army in beans and boots and bullets. She has just had 30 days of eventually-paid vacation. But to keep people from not being able to afford health care in this country she is willing to be faced with a mountain of backed-up work when this waste of time finally comes to an end.
Two terms. Two month-long shut downs. This is not leadership. This is not governing.Unfortunately, it is not Trump, nor is it Republicans, that shut the country down.
It is, with no argument possible, Democrats demanding another Trillion dollars (that we don't have) before they will discuss borrowing enough to keep the country running at status quo. They are demanding a stop to their own legislation - legislation that was pushed through because of COVID and only passed because of a termination date. Now Democrats don't like what they themselves created and demand that we spend another Trillion+ from our children's futures.
It is called madness. It is called insanity. It is called dereliction of duty. All correct and all for good reason. And on the Republican side, it is called duty, it is called doing their job, it is called honesty and integrity. Again, for good reason, for that IS their job - to run the country, not to take from the earners and producers to give it away to those that won't support themselves. Fiscal responsibility is something Democrats, very simply, either don't understand or don't care about.Dan, It’s hard for me to understand how some people don’t first recognize that Social Security is already struggling, and second, that making these subsidies permanent will likely cost even more than Social Security itself within just a few years. What is wrong with people? It only takes the simplest bit of research to see what would happen when millions would immediately enroll in the ACA rather than continue paying more for their existing health insurance. My God, has common sense become something that no longer comes into play?
This is a Democratic ploy to try to dig themselves out of the deep hole they created — “Hey, look, we’re the party that will pay for your health care!” They know full well there’s no money to fund another massive social program, and frankly, they don’t seem to care. How could our society have ever become so dumbed down?Remember - all the wealth in the nation, from the pennies earned at the corner lemonaid stand to the billions of Musk, belong to the Democrats to do with as they think best. Or will buy the most votes for the Democrat party.
When you really don't care about the country, only about keeping and growing your political power, it isn't called "dumbed down". Other labels may apply, but not that one.Dan, I see your point about wealth and political power, and I agree it’s concerning. That said, I think the Democratic Party is in flux right now. Big money and major businesses are watching closely, and I’m not sure they’d fully support a party that seems to be spinning out of control. The current direction also shows clear signs of moving away from the capitalism they once championed, which could make even traditional supporters hesitant. So while influence is real, it’s not automatic; alignment with the party isn’t guaranteed.
Big money and major business is not restricted to any State or Nation...
They are Globalist by nature, they see a far bigger picture... if they thought that bringing about the demise of America, the Nation State that exists today, that is supposedly by and for the People... that guarantees rights, liberty, privacy...
If by creating a new government that bypasses the Constitution, eliminates the 1st and 2nd amendments, and becomes subservient to higher international authorities makes them richer and more powerful, they will support that transition... they will help make it happen.
Keep in mind... the most powerful corporation on the planet today is the Chinese Communist Party... that nation's entire wealth and industry is subservient to the Party... is controlled by the Party...
That wealth and influence is directed at making changes in America... many Democrat Politicians have (and had) direct ties to China... Biden... the Clintons... Dianne Feinstein was infamous for her Chinese spies...
There are many other foreign influences, there are many powerful individuals, like Bill Gates, that push agendas that are not in the best interests of American Citizens or the Nation.Ken, you make a fair point that large corporations and financial powers often operate beyond national boundaries, and that their priorities don’t always align neatly with national or democratic interests. Globalization has blurred lines of accountability, no doubt about that.
But I think we need to separate two different ideas:
Global interdependence, which is a structural reality of modern economics; and
A coordinated agenda to dismantle America’s constitutional framework, which is an assertion that requires far stronger evidence.
Multinational corporations pursue profits, not necessarily political revolutions. While some powerful figures do advocate for international regulations or partnerships, that doesn’t automatically equate to a plot to “eliminate” the Constitution. In fact, the U.S. legal and economic systems still underpin most of their wealth, and undermining that system would be self‑defeating for them.
It’s also worth remembering that influence runs both ways. China certainly exerts global economic pressure, but American corporations, media, and technology shape the world just as powerfully. Reducing it to “China controls Democrats” oversimplifies a much more complex web of lobbying, trade dependencies, and global capital flows, pressures that affect both political parties.
If we want to preserve liberty and constitutional principles, the answer isn’t to frame it as a shadow war between “globalists” and “patriots,” but to strengthen transparency, enforce fair trade, and limit corporate influence over politics, no matter where it comes from. That’s the kind of pragmatic, American solution that protects sovereignty without drifting into fear or fatalism.Keep in mind what just occurred...
The entire collective of Social Media and Corporate USA chose to side with one party... they silenced the opposition... they hid facts... they destroyed respected doctors, scientists, and politicians.
They even silenced the President of the United States.
If not for one rogue billionaire... who bought Twitter... who exposed the lies and corruption... who supported the current President in his effort to become President...
If not for that... you would not have the freedoms we have... this conversation would not be occurring online... the borders would still be open... people would be getting arrested for posts made online...
Who really knows how bad things would be... we have to look to the UK, Canada, France, to see what would likely be our reality today.
UK Beats Russia at Online Censorship — 33 Arrests per Day!
https://confirmedsource.com/british-pol … ial-media/
We know... the Democrats are deplorable and they have been proving that every chance they get for the last 10+ years.
There is nothing they won't do, there is no line they will not cross, to bring America to its knees.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Those unwilling to defend freedom will become unfree. To stand idly by is to commit suicide.
The Democrats propose reversing Republican reforms, expanding entitlements, and adding wasteful spending... particularly in healthcare and worker protections... while blocking a simple CR to end the shutdown.
Instead of running on those things in 2026... they are determined to make Americans suffer to make Trump look bad... it is that simple. The Democrats do not care about Americans... they care about power and ideology.
Speaker Johnson has listed much of this out, for example:
Permanent Extension of Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits (Sec. 2142): Removes the 400% income cap for subsidies, making them available indefinitely to higher earners (up to 8.5% of income); effective post-2025, framed by Johnson as a massive bailout for Obamacare costing taxpayers billions.
Repeal of Republican Health Spending Safeguards (Sec. 2141): Undoes Subtitle B of P.L. 119–21 (recent reconciliation cuts), restoring prior law—including $200B in "taxpayer-funded health care subsidies going to illegal aliens" by eliminating waste/fraud checks (p. 57; Johnson's top-cited example).
Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities (Sec. 2117): Keeps expanded remote care (no geographic limits, audio-only, mental health) through Oct. 31, 2025; Johnson calls this permanent overreach into rural/urban disparities.
Rural Hospital Bailouts (Secs. 2111–2113): Extends low-volume hospital payments, Medicare-Dependent Hospital program, and ambulance add-ons through FY 2027/2026; Johnson labels these as "endless subsidies" propping up inefficient facilities.
Rescission Reversals and Reappropriations (Secs. 117–118, 164, 167): Blocks Republican fund cuts by extending unobligated balances through 2026 and reappropriating rescinded highway/fair housing money; Johnson calls this "stealing" from priorities like border security.
Public Broadcasting Bailout (Sec. 154): $491M for Corporation for Public Broadcasting in FY 2026; he highlights this as "woke media funding" unrelated to government ops.
Funding of LGBTQ+ programs in foreign nations.
Funding of NGOs whose purpose is to pay for migrants to reach America.
And on... and on.
The Democrats can't run a campaign on their insanity and win. So they are trying to force it... while holding Americans hostage doing so.What do you feel should be done? What do you feel would be a solution?
New twist --- WAPO Washington Post editorial tells Dems it’s time to end shutdown, stop holding government ‘hostage’
'Schumer has allowed the shutdown to drag on because he's worried about fending off a primary challenger in 2028,' the
The Washington Post editorial board criticized Senate Democrats on Wednesday for holding the government "hostage" for a month in hopes of extending costly Obamacare subsidies and urged them to reopen the government by voting for a clean funding bill.
"The right answer is to reopen the government with a clean funding bill, ideally for a full year, to get food stamps flowing and federal workers back in the office, and then have a debate about ACA subsidies," the Post editorial said. "Democrats openly acknowledge that they refuse to do this because it would mean giving up their leverage. If they persist, it could mean families start to go hungry."Of course! That American families go hungry, that they lose their homes, their cars and anything else they have built, is nothing but a political lever for Democrats to get more money from Americans. The thought that they actually care about Americans (or anyone else but their own party VIP's) is laughable. Or it would be if it were not so pathetic, anyway.
I could not agree more...I was pleased to see a left outlet jump on the issue and go after the Dems.
The real reason the Democrats will not give up the shutdown...
They want to finish destroying America...
Elon Musk: "The Democratic Party wants to destroy democracy by importing voters... The reason you have this standoff is because if the hundreds of billions of dollars to create a financial incentive to like to have this giant magnet to attract illegals from every part of Earth to these states, if that is turned off, the illegals will leave because they're no longer being paid to come to the United States and stay here."
https://x.com/joeroganhq/status/19844188627929175041. It's not the Schumer Shutdown. It's the government shutdown. It takes two to tango.
2. The dems are concerned about not continuing health care programs and raising the cost of health care to those who need it but won't be able to afford it.
3. The GOP is concerned about those health care benefits being extended to illegal aliens. However, there are federal laws that prevent that from happening. (See below.)
4. The GOP wants the dems to pass a clean budget without any riders attached.
5. The dems are afraid if that is done, the GOP will not come back to visit the health care needs of the people.
6. The GOP wants to eliminate ACA, but they have no plan. It's not a 19 page document, like was submitted by previous GOP administrations.
Here are the federal laws.
**Federal law prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving most federally funded health care benefits, with limited exceptions for emergency care.**
Here’s a breakdown of the key laws and policies that restrict health care access for undocumented immigrants:
---Core Federal Restrictions
- **Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996**
- This law defines “qualified” immigrants eligible for federal public benefits.
- *Undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded* from receiving benefits like Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA subsidies unless they meet specific exceptions.
- **Affordable Care Act (ACA)**
- Bars undocumented immigrants from purchasing insurance through the federal Marketplace—even without subsidies.
- **Medicaid and CHIP**
- Undocumented immigrants are *ineligible* for full Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
- The only exception is **Emergency Medicaid**, which reimburses hospitals for emergency services provided to undocumented individuals.
- **Medicare**
- Requires lawful presence and typically a work history. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify.
---
Emergency Care Exceptions
- **Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)**
- Requires hospitals to provide emergency stabilizing treatment to *anyone*, regardless of immigration status.
- This is a *universal obligation* for hospitals receiving Medicare funds.
- **Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)**
- These centers receive federal funding and must treat patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
- However, they offer limited services and are not a substitute for full coverage.
---Recent Developments
- **2025 HHS Rulemaking**
- Attempted to redefine certain health programs as “federal public benefits,” potentially narrowing access even further.
- Triggered legal challenges and injunctions in several states.
- **Budget Reconciliation Law (2025)**
- Tightened eligibility for lawfully present immigrants, but *undocumented immigrants remain excluded* under longstanding policy.
---
Summary
Undocumented immigrants are barred from accessing federally funded health care programs under PRWORA and ACA rules. Emergency care is guaranteed under EMTALA and Emergency Medicaid, but broader coverage is unavailable unless provided by state or local programs using non-federal funds.
End of Story.The story is that Democrats wish to add over a trillion dollars to a budget that already is unsustainable. Republicans are refusing to be blackmailed into doing that.
End of Story.Number there --- facts
Federal Programs and Funding Streams That Can Legally Cover Undocumented Migrants
Emergency Medicaid
Covers emergency medical conditions (including labor and delivery).
Federally funded through Medicaid but limited strictly to emergencies.
Authorized under Section 1903(v) of the Social Security Act.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
Requires hospitals that receive Medicare funds to stabilize anyone who arrives with an emergency condition.
The cost of this care can be partially reimbursed indirectly through federal Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments or Emergency Medicaid.
Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments
Federal payments to hospitals that serve a high number of uninsured or low-income patients.
Hospitals that treat undocumented migrants may receive these funds to offset uncompensated care costs.
Community Health Centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers — FQHCs)
Federally funded clinics that provide primary care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) & Rural Health Programs
Federally funded healthcare workforce and access programs that provide care in underserved areas to anyone, regardless of status.
Public Health Programs (disease prevention and emergency response)
Vaccination programs (e.g., CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program).
Tuberculosis screening and treatment (CDC funds state and local programs that treat all patients).
HIV/AIDS care under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program if the provider chooses to serve patients regardless of status.
COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs (federally reimbursed under public health emergency funding).
Indian Health Service (IHS) (limited cases)
Non-Indigenous undocumented individuals generally don’t qualify, but mixed-status households sometimes receive federally supported community health outreach funded through IHS programs.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) medical assistance
During federally declared disasters or public health emergencies, FEMA or HHS funds can be used to provide medical care to any individual affected, regardless of status.
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Title V)
States may use these federal funds for prenatal and child health services without requiring proof of legal residency.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
Although not strictly medical insurance, WIC is federally funded and provides nutrition assistance and health referrals for pregnant women and children under 5, regardless of immigration status.
We spend billions yearly on the above health care that illegal migrants get.
https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy … hatgpt.com
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/enrol … hatgpt.com
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/enrol … hatgpt.com
https://www.hrsa.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.comIt still happens, even when it is against the law, as he well knows.
People drive without licenses, speed, run red lights, register to vote even without being a citizen, etc.
The only people that think that this never happens as it is against the law are living in a state of unreality.Hi Doc, I’ve shared these facts several times. Taxpayers spend billions each year on emergency medical care for undocumented immigrants, along with other publicly funded health services they can access. Congress often phrases this by saying that non-citizens can’t enroll in Medicaid—which is true for full coverage. However, under federal law, Medicaid is required to cover emergency medical treatment for undocumented immigrants who meet income and residency criteria. In practice, this means they can go to an ER, receive treatment, and Medicaid reimburses the hospital for those emergency services.
Look at how SNAP shot up like a rocket during the Biden Administration...
Goes right along with the millions of migrants being let into the country.
Do you have a problem with people being able to eat? All that your chart tells me is that Trump was trying to starve people by not providing enough food assistance.
You may not know this but there is a big difference in having food to eat and having thousands of dollars to spend on sugary cereal, soda, candy bars, etc. We have a program here in Brazil for those in poverty an instead of money they receive a "cesta basica" which is made up of rice, beans, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, and other basic foodstuffs. It is nothing luxurious but it sure beats starving.
The US used to do this by providing government cheese and other basics. Do you think Dems would have a problem with a program like that?Are you suggesting that the 3.4% of SNAP that is spent on those things is upsetting to you? It doesn't matter that 85% of SNAP is spent on wholesome food? (I discounted the 9.3% spent on what is called "sweetened beverages".
So much for your cynicism.Is SNAP a tangent now? I don't want to propel a tangent, but there are serious folks in their fields making arguments similar to DrMark's that show room for a lot of cynicism. From the degrees of DrMarks comparison to yours. There is a lot of counterintuitive stuff in SNAP, relative to dietary and growth issues related to sugar and ultraprocessed foods, and lifestyle shaping behaviors. Then there are the economics, such as assistance vs 'full-coverage.'
The health and 'healthy' related arguments are the soundest because they aren't political by definition.
Anyway, I think there was some "much" in his cynicism.
Just a thought.
GADo you have any idea how many billions of dollars that is? Maybe you are willing to be pay more taxes so that people can have Oreos and Reeses cups as part of their SNAP benefits; the majority of taxpayers in your country are not happy with that prospect. I, and most conservatives I have talked to about this issue, have no problem when the program is similar to the Cesta Basica and gives away whole food.
How many millions are 25 percent of the SNAP budget? That is the amount spent on soda and candy, according to your own figures. It is about 25 billion dollars.
So much for your argument.
Doc, great point! Let's use the Liberals' new Bible--- You hit the nail on the head.
Here are some facts and findings about the diet quality of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how it relates to unhealthy food choices. These don’t mean all SNAP participants eat unhealthily, but the data show meaningful patterns worth noting.
✅ What SNAP is
SNAP allows eligible low-income U.S. households to purchase “any food for the household, such as: fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.”
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible- … hatgpt.com
Thus, the program permits the purchase of snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages (which often include less nutrient-dense items) as long as they’re not hot/prepared foods or excluded items (like alcohol, tobacco, vitamins/supplements).
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/ … hatgpt.com
⚠️ Evidence of less healthy diets among SNAP participants
Here are key findings on how the food purchases and diet quality of SNAP households compare to non-SNAP or higher income households:
According to a detailed white paper, SNAP households “acquired … 31 % fewer total vegetables, 40 % fewer dark green vegetables and beans, 24 % fewer whole fruits, 20 % fewer whole grains … almost 6 % more empty calories as a share of total calories” compared to income-eligible non-SNAP households.
https://www.downsizinggovernment.org/sn … hatgpt.com
Another study found SNAP participants consumed a greater proportion of calories from added sugar and fewer non-starchy vegetables from grocery stores than non-participants.
PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/P … hatgpt.com
From a “Fast Facts” PDF: “children and families receiving SNAP benefits consume fewer fruits and vegetables … more added sugars … than those who do not receive SNAP” in part because “overly processed foods being less expensive and the lack of a nutritional focus on SNAP.”
Voices for Healthy Kids
https://voicesforhealthykids.org/assets … hatgpt.com
A briefing paper from the Cato Institute stated that a 2016 USDA point-of-sale study found about 23 % of purchases by SNAP households were for sugary drinks, desserts, salty snacks, candy, and sugar (“junk food”).
Cato Institute
https://www.cato.org/briefing-paper/sna … hatgpt.com
From a USDA press release: A 2021 study found that 88 % of SNAP participants reported barriers to a healthy diet (most commonly the cost of healthy foods).
USDA https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/pr … hatgpt.com
As to what REALLY caused the increase (it wasn't migrants, but you already know that):
Why SNAP outlays jumped in 2021–2023
Pandemic emergency boosts (started in 2020): Extra “emergency allotments” were added to every SNAP case to help during COVID. These began under Trump and continued until they were phased out nationwide in early 2023. That alone pushed monthly spending way up.
Permanent benefit re-base in 2021: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty Food Plan (the formula behind SNAP). Starting Oct 2021 the maximum benefit rose by roughly 20%+ to reflect modern diets and higher food costs. That lifted the baseline even after emergency boosts ended.
Food inflation: Grocery prices rose sharply in 2021–2022, so benefits (which are designed to cover a market basket) and total program outlays rose in nominal dollars even if caseload didn’t surge.
Caseload stayed elevated: Participation rose during the pandemic recession and gradually eased, but didn’t instantly return to pre-2020 levels, keeping spending higher for a while.
About migrants
Undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible for SNAP. Most recent arrivals can’t receive it; exceptions include refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian parolees, who are a small share of the overall caseload.
So the spending spike aligns with emergency policy, the 2021 benefit re-base, and inflation, not with a sudden expansion of eligibility to undocumented migrants.The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," signed in July 2025, has eliminated SNAP eligibility for most refugees and asylees, of which there are hundreds of thousands thanks to the Biden Administration.
Previously, states like Maryland reported supporting over 10,000 refugees and asylees on SNAP, and California projected that 74,000 noncitizens (including refugees, asylees, and permanent residents) would lose eligibility.
Factoring in other changes, such as the hundreds of thousands of fraudulently issued Social Security numbers to non-citizens being dropped from benefits and you have millions of non-Americans being removed from SNAP in total.Ken, I have to ask - why did you reframe your argument away from "migrants" to lawful refugees and asylum seekers?
When did you become a proponent of violating states rights?
Why is it OK to starve some LEGAL asylum seekers and LEGAL refugees and not others? Why didn't the Big Ugly Bill stop food assistance to Cubans and Haitians and COFA citizens, and non-citizen U.S. nationals)
Even though Trump and Republicans prefer the inhumane route for LEGAL residents why should the Fed force states to be equally inhumane?
Finally, why did you downgrade you initial claim of Millions of Migrants down to less that 100,000 LEGAL residents?Lawful migrants... refugees... asylum seekers... same thing... non-citizens.
As to the rest, re-read the statement.You said "Migrants" not "Lawful Migrants". They are NOT the same thing.
I did re-read it and I have the same questions. Are you going to answer them?
And now I have another question - why do you want to take food away from somebody lawfully living in the U.S.?
As did enrollment for ACA. It was shocking to see the numbers.
So it was shocking to you to see people getting the food and healthcare they need? Why may I ask is that shocking?
That would be clearly correlated with COVID-wouldn't it?
Exactly. As I showed them earlier - So the spending spike aligns with emergency policy, the 2021 benefit re-base, and inflation, not with a sudden expansion of eligibility to undocumented migrants. I presume that is true for increased ACA enrollment.
The Biden Administration made anyone who could apply essentially eligible for benefits... many even received social security numbers during Biden!
So... yeah... the Trump Administration made the NEEDED correction of cutting them OUT of the budget, and the Democrats are holding the government hostage to get them put back into the budget.
Along with plenty of other handouts... from paying for Leftist propaganda (NPR - PBS) to paying for LGBTQ+ outreach in Nigeria.
A lot of spending that provides NO BENIFITS to American Citizens.Once again wild and unfounded claims. Prove it.
2009 Sundance Film Festival - Shorts Award Ceremony
PARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Joel Stein attends the Shorts Award Ceremony during the 2009 Sundance Film Festival at Legacy Lodge on January 20, 2009 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage) *** Local Caption ***Yes, nice change, Joul. But why not leave your likeness as you did when you registered?
Oh, that JoEl Steinn.
Yes, that is how identity politics works.
Congress, do quote law, they just don't offer all of the laws, the laws that do cover healthcare for a non-citizen to share the rights of our citizens to go to an ER for care, and they receive many other benefits as I listed. Every year, taxpayers pay billions, and that number has exploded during Biden's tenure.
That's bound to happen when you bring in over 10 million migrants and get as many of them as you can classified (even if you have to change what constitutes 'refugee' and 'asylum seeker') for as many benefits as possible.
I agree, but Americans should be aware that the enormous number of non-legal migrants that are truly costing taxpayers. It would make a good thread. The numbers are shocking.
Shelter ... schooling ...food.
You add ten million non-Americans in 4 years that taxpayers have to support, generously, and get the real numbers behind those costs... You are probably right... It might shock a lot of people.It would shock many… Maybe it would finally become obvious that we have little chance of sustaining a country that embraces socialism. Honestly, where are people’s heads these days? I’ve been looking into the cost of illegal migrants, and it’s staggering. Trump is doing his best to deport them as quickly as the law allows, but it will take a decade of Republican leadership to undo what Joe has allowed to happen.
See my evidence and reality-based answer to Ken.
Isn't it just simply amazing Ken how reality passes some people by? When you have have this kind of evidence that immigrants are a net gain to America rather than the myth that they are a net loss?
Immigrants are a net gain to the U.S.—economically and fiscally.
Growth & deficits: [i]CBO estimates the recent immigration surge raises GDP by ~$1.3T (3.2%) in 2034 and reduces cumulative federal deficits over the next decade. WHY? Because more workers = more output and tax revenue.
cbo.gov
State & local: CBO also found state and local revenues rose alongside the surge (especially sales and income taxes), offsetting added service costs.
cbo.gov
+1
Long-run payoff: The National Academies’ gold-standard review concludes immigration boosts long-run economic growth; first-generation fiscal effects can be modest/negative in some places, but their U.S.-born children are strong net positives, flipping the balance to net positive over time.
National Academies Press
+1
Innovation & productivity: Fed research notes immigrants patent at about twice the native rate and raise productivity—benefits that spill over to native workers.
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
International context: OECD comparisons show migrants’ net fiscal impact is generally small to positive as a share of GDP in advanced economies—hardly the drain some claim.
OECD
So, Ken, the nonpartisan numbers don’t back the ‘net loss’ myth. CBO says immigration expands the economy and narrows deficits; the National Academies say the long-run fiscal impact is positive; and Fed/OECD work backs higher innovation and broadly neutral-to-positive fiscal effects.
That’s reality.”
**Federal cuts to health care programs will likely increase the uninsured rate, strain emergency services, and reduce access for both undocumented and lawfully present immigrants—especially in states like California.**
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the expected impacts:
-Cuts to Emergency Medicaid and Safety-Net Programs
- The 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump **reduces federal reimbursements for emergency care provided to undocumented immigrants**, which hospitals are legally required to offer under EMTALA.
**EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) is a federal law enacted in 1986 that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status.**
Here’s how it works and why it matters:
- EMTALA was created to prevent “patient dumping”—the practice of refusing treatment or transferring uninsured patients to public hospitals without stabilizing them.
- It applies to **all hospitals that accept Medicare**, which includes nearly every emergency department in the U.S.
Legal Requirements
Hospitals must:
1. **Provide a medical screening exam (MSE)** to determine if an emergency medical condition exists.
2. **Stabilize the patient** if such a condition is found.
3. **Transfer the patient appropriately** if the hospital cannot treat them, ensuring the transfer won’t worsen their condition.
These obligations apply **regardless of insurance, citizenship, or ability to pay**.
---
Impact on Health Care Access
- EMTALA is the reason undocumented immigrants can receive emergency care in the U.S., even though they’re excluded from most federal health programs.
- It’s also why **Emergency Medicaid** exists—to reimburse hospitals for some of the costs of treating uninsured patients under EMTALA.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Violations can result in **fines up to $100,000 per incident**, loss of Medicare funding, and lawsuits.
- The law is enforced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Inspector General.
- This will **increase uncompensated care costs** for hospitals, especially in states with large immigrant populations like California and Texas.
- Rural hospitals and community health centers are expected to be hit hardest, potentially leading to closures or service reductions.
Loss of Coverage for Lawfully Present Immigrants
- **1.4 million lawfully present immigrants** (including refugees, asylum seekers, and green card holders) are projected to lose access to Medicaid, CHIP, ACA subsidies, and Medicare.
- These cuts are not aimed at undocumented immigrants—who were already excluded—but at **legal residents previously eligible under exceptions or state expansions**.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates **$131 billion in federal savings** from these eligibility restrictions by 2034.
State-Level Fallout: California as a Case Study
- California faces a **$17 billion budget shortfall** and cannot fully offset the federal cuts.
- Officials warn that **up to 3 million Medi-Cal recipients** could lose coverage due to new work requirements and eligibility rules.
- The state expects **tens of billions in lost federal funding**, forcing reductions in benefits and eligibility.
---Ongoing Fiscal Impact Study
- California’s Insurance Commissioner launched a **first-ever study** to quantify the economic effects of expanded health coverage for undocumented residents.
- The study will assess whether these programs are cost-saving or burdensome in the long term, with results expected in 2027.
---Strategic Implications
- Cuts may **increase ER visits and delay preventive care**, raising long-term costs.
- States may need to **restructure public health priorities**, shift funding to emergency services, or reduce coverage tiers.
- The uninsured rate is expected to rise, affecting not just immigrants but broader populations through **higher premiums and strained services**.
I can give you the sources if you like.
You are confusing the Democrats, who love America, with Republicans who do not as they proved on Jan 6.
As to what do Americans want - their health care or ending the shut down - and the WINNER IS - HEALTH CARE!!!
KFF poll (Oct 3, 2025, covered by Reuters): ~80% support extending the enhanced ACA tax credits—even amid the shutdown.
Reuters
Washington Post poll (Oct 1, 2025): strong support for extending subsidies; nearly half say Democrats should keep pushing for them even if it prolongs the shutdown.
The Washington Post
Navigator Research (Oct 10, 2025): voters want the shutdown to end, but not if it means leaving millions without health care (Medicaid/ACA protections were top priorities for Dems, independents, and “shutdown persuadables”).
Navigator
KFF Health News summary (Oct 6, 2025): reiterates that 3 in 4+ Americans favor continuing ACA subsidies during the standoff.
KFF Health News
You know who owns WAPO and tells them what to write.
President Trump Urges Republicans to “Terminate the Filibuster” as Shutdown Fight Heats Up
President Donald Trump, now in his second term, is once again proving he’s not afraid to take decisive action. As the government shutdown stretches on, Trump is calling on Republicans to “terminate the filibuster”, urging his party to stop surrendering to Democratic obstruction and finally stand firm for the American people.
At the heart of the latest standoff is the Democrats’ push to extend Obamacare subsidies for another year, a move that would expand government control over healthcare and pile more costs onto taxpayers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., rolled out the proposal on Friday surrounded by a unified Democratic caucus, using the shutdown as political leverage to protect their failing healthcare law.
Schumer claimed Democrats were offering a simple solution: extend the Obamacare tax credits and reopen the government. But the truth is, this “offer” is just another attempt to trap Republicans into funding the same broken system that’s driving up premiums and reducing choices for millions of Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has been leading discussions for Republicans, who initially planned to tie several spending bills together to get the government running again. But when Democrats walked away from the table, Thune admitted “the wheels came off,” leaving Congress deadlocked as Democrats refused to compromise.
Adding to the frustration, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., introduced a bill to guarantee that federal workers and the military would continue to be paid during the shutdown. It could have passed immediately with unanimous consent, but Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., blocked it, claiming it gave President Trump too much control over the process. In reality, Democrats would rather hold paychecks hostage than allow the President a win.
Why America Cannot Afford Socialized Healthcare
While Democrats call for more government-run healthcare, the numbers tell a hard truth: the United States cannot afford socialized medicine.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, a full “Medicare for All” plan would cost over $32 trillion in just 10 years. That would more than double the current federal budget. Even if the government taxed the wealthy, middle class, and small businesses at record levels, it still wouldn’t cover the bill.
Other nations that have adopted socialized medicine, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, offer a warning. Patients wait months for basic procedures. Cancer screenings are delayed. Surgeries are rationed. And doctors are stretched thin, underpaid, and overworked. In the U.S., by contrast, patients have immediate access to advanced technology, world-class specialists, and innovative treatments that save lives every day.
If Washington replaces private healthcare with a government monopoly, America would lose that edge. Innovation would slow, hospitals would face cuts, and citizens would have fewer choices — all while paying higher taxes. Socialized medicine doesn’t just cost money; it costs freedom, quality, and life-saving progress.
Republicans Must Stand Strong
This shutdown is about far more than temporary funding. It’s about the future of America — whether we move toward freedom and fiscal responsibility or surrender to big government and socialist control.
President Trump has made his stance clear: the time for weakness is over. Republicans cannot allow Democrats to use shutdowns to force more spending, more handouts, and more government power. Ending the filibuster, if necessary, is not about politics; it's about breaking Washington gridlock and protecting the nation’s future.
Now is the time for Republicans to stand strong, united behind the President, and fight for the principles that built this nation, liberty, hard work, and opportunity for every American.Good read, I agree completely.
This is a war... The Republicans will recognize this and do whatever it takes to win.
Or they will fail and in that failure the whole country will falter bringing in a new extremism that will have us all living poorer lives.
That is the plan for those supporting the Leftists now taking control of the Dem Party... They are wheeling out Obama as a reminder... The Hope and Change...the promise of Mamdani to fill every household with Islam... I think whether it is AOC or Oman, one thing is clear, they are extreme.
The reason why the Leftists are likely to succeed are mentioned in the first moments of this video:
https://youtu.be/YdN2k6_H13Y?si=ZB-RAkPeDrEjozTY
Add to that tinderbox the CRT and Social Justice teachings in our school systems that has impacted for decades now and the influx of tens of millions of migrants now being over 30% of the population in key cities like LA and NY...
When the system collapses its the Social Security and Pension getters that will feel it the most as they lose everything they worked their whole lives for, the small businesses that will fold... It won't be the massive corporations or banks or billionaires...the majority of them will survive just fine.
It will be the people in the middle dragged down by those extremists promising everything for nothing... Creating a society where we all have nothing and every day is a struggle to survive.
Except for those with real wealth, they have the means to escape the incoming disaster..."the promise of Mamdani to fill every household with Islam"
Although I detest Mamdani and his socialist plans to destroy New York, this is a new one. I have not heard him promote Islam in any way.
But if true, I have trouble distinguishing the problem with promoting Islam vs promoting Christianity. Both are very much against our Constitution and very much against the whole concept of religion in this country.Yes, Republicans WILL do what ever it takes including starving and killing people.
Ken, I agree with your sentiments completely, this really does feel like a fight for the soul and survival of the country. You’re right that the middle class is being crushed while the powerful seem untouched, and the cultural and ideological shifts we’re seeing are no accident. For decades, schools, media, and the federal bureaucracy have been shaping younger generations to reject traditional values and self-reliance in favor of dependency and division. Add to that the unchecked border crisis and record migration straining city budgets, schools, and healthcare systems, and it’s clear that the system is near breaking. The courts have also become another battleground, with judges increasingly stepping beyond the law to block executive authority or reshape policy from the bench.
Unless there’s real accountability and a united pushback against these forces, what you described, a weakened, divided nation where ordinary Americans pay the highest price, could become our new reality.
There are clear signs that conservatives are pushing back with strength across the country. Movements like Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA continue to grow, expanding chapters at universities and high schools while hosting summits that emphasize free speech, constitutional values, and entrepreneurship. At the state level, Republican-led legislatures are advancing bills focused on border security, school curriculum transparency, and tax relief, reflecting a broader effort to push back against federal policies they view as overreach. The recent budget standoff, often referred to as the shutdown, is another example of conservatives asserting fiscal accountability. Beyond this, grassroots activism has surged, with local communities organizing around parental rights in education, law enforcement support, and crime policy. These efforts show that conservative energy is not just rhetoric, it’s an organized, multi-level movement actively shaping policy and public debateMovements like Kirk's with the firehose of hate speech they issue. (And yes, I can prove it.)
Yes, it IS time for Republicans to stand strong to stop millions of Americans from eating and having health insurance (which means thousands will die a year from the lack of it).
By "standing strong" American will finally realize what monsters Republicans have become.I strongly disagree with your characterization. Standing strong as Republicans does not mean denying Americans access to food or health care, it means prioritizing fiscal responsibility, personal accountability, and policies that create long-term opportunity rather than unsustainable government dependence. Overspending and unchecked programs can jeopardize the very systems designed to help people, putting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid at risk for future generations.
Republicans argue that empowering people through work, education, and private-sector solutions is the most effective way to improve health outcomes and reduce poverty, rather than relying on ever-expanding government handouts. Our Constitution lays out a framework for limited government, separation of powers, and individual liberty, ensuring that the United States is a democracy, not a socialist state.
There is no constitutional room for socialism to dictate policies that erode personal freedom or mandate wealth redistribution. Framing responsible governance as “monstrous” ignores the broader goal: protecting the nation’s economic and social infrastructure so that everyone, including the most vulnerable, can thrive in a free society. I am unwilling to say our great experience has failed.Then why did they take away health care from millions of Medicaid recipients who qualify for it. Why are they SO OPPOSED to extending the ACA subsidies which, when gone will force millions more off of heath insurance.
Both, Republican actions, WILL, according to studies, kill thousands of people a year who otherwise would have lived had they had the insurance the Republicans are clearly denying them.
I do think those logical conclusions are denying Americans health insurance and is a fair characterization of what they are doing. How can it be anything else? The facts are on the table.And now he has this
Socialism? Universal health care? LOL
You can tell that all of this "poor people" stuff is really getting under his skin... He has golf to play, parties to throw, crap to gild, ballrooms to build, bathrooms to remodel and cheap trinkets to hawk...
Trump:
"I don't want to hear about the affordability."
Translated.. shut up already peasants
The really funny thing is, that if Trump decided to go full on socialist tomorrow...his followers would be on board no questions asked LMFAO. There is no ideology... Just blind loyalty to one deranged man
Oh yes.. ending the filibuster. When Democrats take control, that means expanding the Supreme Court and statehood for DC and Puerto Rico... Let's go.
Don't forget Voting Rights.
And after Trump is done destroying America, they will take control unless he declares Marshall law.
The Democrats just proposed a bipartisan commission to study health care. If GOP agreed, they would open the government in time to avoid a Thanksgiving fiasco in America.
What did the republicans do? Failed to agree because the proposal was a sign that Democrats were caving.
What can you discern from that about what each side's priorities are?The Commission is in addition to the one-year ACA subsidy extension.
We know what Republican Priorities are: Win at all costs no matter the suffering they cause Americans where winning is the ONLY goal
On the other hand, Democratic priorities is to win to make sure Americans have healthcare..
It is easy to see the good guys from the bad guys and Americans have noticed. At this moment in time, the Democratic take over in the House in 2026 is almost all but certain.
This just needs to carry forward to 2026 and the way the bumbling Republicans are going, it will happen
The AP’s first precinct analysis shows VA and NJ snapped back toward Democrats about as strongly as they shifted to Trump in 2024—consistent with Republicans turning out less robustly and/or some voters switching sides.
ABC News
+1
Reporting on Virginia’s governor race says Spanberger peeled off a slice of rural Republicans while running up urban/suburban margins—so it wasn’t only non-voting; there was persuasion too.
Politico
They are literally keeping the government closed over an 80/20 issue... The epitome of stupidity
Sean Duffy, our Secretary of Transportation,appeared on multiple reality TV shows before entering politics, most notably MTV’s *The Real World: Boston* in 1997.** He later competed on *Road Rules: All Stars* and several *Real World/Road Rules Challenge* seasons, where he met his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy.
Sean Duffy’s Reality TV Background
- **The Real World: Boston (1997)**: Duffy was a cast member known for his conservative views, which led to clashes with other roommates. This was his first major public exposure.
- **Road Rules: All Stars**: He returned to MTV for this spin-off, where he met Rachel Campos, who would later become his wife and a Fox News host.
- **Real World/Road Rules Challenge**: Duffy participated in competitive seasons and made his final appearance in 2002’s *Real World Awards Bash*.
- **Media Commentary**: Duffy has said his reality TV experience helped him become comfortable speaking on camera and engaging with media, which benefited his political career.
From Reality TV to Cabinet Role
Duffy’s transition from reality TV to politics is part of a broader trend of media-savvy figures entering government. His appointment as **Secretary of Transportation in 2025** and briefly as **acting NASA Administrator** reflects Trump’s preference for loyalty and public visibility over conventional qualifications and now he has shutdown 40 major airports, just before the holidays. SNAFU (Situation Now All Effed UP).That made me ask ChatGPT about the qualifications of Trump's major appointments. It came up with 20, broken out as follows:
* Reality TV Star - 1
* Right-wing TV Host - 2
* Obviously unqualified for the job - 6
* Qualified for the job - 11
So 45% of Trump's "best and brightest" are failures.
300+ Stakeholders Support Clean CR to Reopen Government
https://appropriations.house.gov/news/p … government
Very Long List (above) of unions, groups, corporations pleading with the Democrats to vote for the CR and open the government.
Historic Failure: Democrats Responsible for Longest Government Shutdown Ever
https://appropriations.house.gov/news/p … tdown-ever
Republicans are Working to Help Constituents Impacted by the Democrat Shutdown
https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media … t-shutdown
The Real Reason Democrats Are Keeping the Government Closed
https://owens.house.gov/posts/the-real- … ent-closed
Deal to reopen government falters over Democrats’ distrust of Trump
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/559 … ats-trump/
Democrats choose power play (above) over the needs of Americans.Thanks for all the info--- Very much on the mark.
In my view, what the Democrats are doing by trying to attach permanent ACA subsidies to the government funding bill is nothing short of political blackmail at the people’s expense. A budget bill is supposed to keep the government running, not serve as a vehicle for forcing through massive, long-term programs that deserve their own debate. Making these subsidies permanent would lock in hundreds of billions of dollars in future spending, with estimates putting the cost at well over $200 billion in the first decade alone and potentially far more as healthcare costs continue to rise. It’s not just irresponsible; it’s manipulative. They know that no one wants a government shutdown, so they use that fear to pressure others into accepting policies that would never pass on their own merits. This isn’t how representative government should function; it’s political extortion disguised as budgeting.
My God, Ken, what can't people see -- we can bear to keep SS solvent, let alone pay for a huge new cost;y program.Here is more, non-partisan info.
I counter with these:
* The first, of course, is the Democratic romp over the Republicans in the recent elections. It had a lot to do with the voter's perception that their misery is being caused by the Republicans.
* Families USA — led a letter with 153 organizations urging Congress to permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits during the shutdown fight (Oct. 16, 2025).
Families USA
* American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) — multiple briefs and fact sheets pressing Congress to extend the enhanced credits before they expire (Feb. 2025).
Cancer Action Network
+2
Cancer Action Network
+2
* Doctors for America — statement urging Congress to extend the enhanced ACA subsidies (Oct. 24, 2025).
Doctors for America
* American Medical Association (AMA) — advocacy updates opposing cuts and highlighting physician-group support for extending enhanced premium tax credits (Sept.–Oct. 2025).
American Medical Association
+1
* AARP — multiple posts/alerts resisting cuts to ACA/Medicaid and warning of coverage losses; framed the ACA subsidies as central in the shutdown fight.
AARP
+2
AARP
+2
* Protect Our Care — steady campaign activity in states during open enrollment urging continuation of enhanced subsidies.
Protect Our Care
*Center for American Progress (CAP) — analysis arguing Congress should extend the enhanced credits to keep costs down.
Center for American Progress
Then there is the American public itself who overwhelmingly support the Democrats fight for their health care
* Oct 3, 2025 KFF Health Tracking Poll: 78% favored extending the enhanced ACA tax credits (Dem 92%, Ind 82%, GOP 59%).
KFF
+1
* Nov 6, 2025 KFF Health Tracking Poll (fielded Oct 27–Nov 2): 74% favored extension (Dem 94%, Ind 76%, GOP ~50%); KFF noted GOP/MAGA support dipped since October.
KFF
+1
Very strong support between two sequential polls with only minor drop off were you would expect it, right-leaning independents and Republicans. Still a WHOPPING 50% of Republicans want the Democrats to keep fighting for their health care!!!!!Imjustr shared my view regarding the affordability of making the subsidies permanent. And I am sticking with that view.
In my view, what the Democrats are doing by trying to attach permanent ACA subsidies to the government funding bill is nothing short of political blackmail at the people’s expense. A budget bill is supposed to keep the government running, not serve as a vehicle for forcing through massive, long-term programs that deserve their own debate. Making these subsidies permanent would lock in hundreds of billions of dollars in future spending, with estimates putting the cost at well over $200 billion in the first decade alone and potentially far more as healthcare costs continue to rise. It’s not just irresponsible; it’s manipulative. They know that no one wants a government shutdown, so they use that fear to pressure others into accepting policies that would never pass on their own merits. This isn’t how representative government should function; it’s political extortion disguised as budgeting.
My God, Ken, what can't people see -- we can bear to keep SS solvent, let alone pay for a huge new cost;y program.Imjustr shared my view regarding the affordability of making the subsidies permanent. And I am sticking with that view.
In my view, what the Democrats are doing by trying to attach permanent ACA subsidies to the government funding bill is nothing short of political blackmail at the people’s expense. A budget bill is supposed to keep the government running, not serve as a vehicle for forcing through massive, long-term programs that deserve their own debate. Making these subsidies permanent would lock in hundreds of billions of dollars in future spending, with estimates putting the cost at well over $200 billion in the first decade alone and potentially far more as healthcare costs continue to rise. It’s not just irresponsible; it’s manipulative. They know that no one wants a government shutdown, so they use that fear to pressure others into accepting policies that would never pass on their own merits. This isn’t how representative government should function; it’s political extortion disguised as budgeting.
My God, Ken, what can't people see -- we can bear to keep SS solvent, let alone pay for a huge new cost;y program.
I do not care what anyone else thinks regarding adding such a huge, unaffordable program. I came to my view via lots of research ---- WE can't afford such a program, in my view.Yet we CAN afford the Republicans vote to vastly increase the size of our deficit and debt by giving huge tax breaks to the wealthy, very small tax breaks to the middle class, and NEGATIVE tax breaks to low income earners?
Your logic slips past me.You are diverting --- That is another very in-depth subject -- needs to be addressed on a thread of its own...
Sorry, I just compared to that to your claim, which is totally legitimate debating technique.
Can you really blame people for their self-preservation instinct... Really to just not want to die prematurely ? Especially while witnessing the grotesque excess of this regime. ? We can let the uninsured die while we fund goons to brutalize citizens, neighborhoods, businesses, those here legally and those here with an exemplary history of contributing to society... Chasing down mothers, grandmother's grandfathers and the like... No one wants this BS. It is quite literally the Maria Antoinette presidency
I understand where your frustration comes from. No one wants to see people suffer or die because they can’t afford healthcare. That’s a painful reality, and it absolutely needs to be addressed. But we have to do it with common sense and fiscal responsibility. Creating another massive program we can’t afford as a nation only makes the problem worse in the long run. Band-aids don’t heal deep wounds; they just delay the real solution.
We need intelligent, sustainable reforms that balance compassion with economic reality, not short-term political promises.
And when it comes to immigration, compassion also means encouraging migrants who don’t have a legal right to stay to return home voluntarily. The government has programs to help them do so safely and with dignity. That’s a far more humane and practical path than the chaos we are seeing due to non-citizens ignoring our law. I think it is important to at least consider that those being deported are people who have been ordered to leave and are in the country illegally.
It’s possible to care deeply about both healthcare and immigration, without losing sight of the fact that emotions alone can’t solve complex problems. Compassion should guide us, but reason and responsibility must lead.
1. Where are the Democrats trying to make it permanent? They aren't.
2. Why are you ignoring the will of the people? They clearly want the Republicans to accept the Democrats very reasonable ask.
3. Since the subsidies have been "affordable" since their inception, why are they unaffordable now?
4. As to your last sentence - if what you said is true then why did Republicans vote to vastly increase the size of our deficit and debt by giving huge tax breaks to the wealthy, very small tax breaks to the middle class, and NEGATIVE tax breaks to low income earners.?
It's the common sense... Grasp of facts... Issue.
Those of us on this forum, no matter where we stand politically, have some basic grasp of the issues...
There are millions that are essentially incompetent and incapable of grasping basic economics let alone complex details of the budget and how our government works.
Americans are a mix of the world's brightest minds... and the most moronic and uninformed minds on the planet.
The divide in the intellectual stratosphere is greater in America than anywhere else...
I work around rocket scientists and truck drivers... the difference in how the perceive the world... problem solve and interact with others is visibly apparent
And now we have let in tens of millions of foreigners that have no means of survival and care other than government handouts... Literally half the people on SNAP today are not American citizens.
On top of millions of people incapable of functioning normally in society, that as a society we release back in to the populace no matter how deranged they are, no matter how many times they are arrested for physical assault, or other serious threats...
We don't hav the money to properly care for those we have...yet they continue to vote to give away more...to open the borders and let more in... this all will soon end in economic collapse and then the social collapse that follows."Literally half the people on SNAP today are not American citizens."
False.
Nearly 90 percent of SNAP recipients are native-born American citizens and 96 percent were citizens, according to the latest data from the Agriculture Department. Unauthorized immigrants are ineligible for SNAP.
snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pdf https://share.google/D8vzLFWBxBZcdmeve
Well, thank you for providing sources. The next step is to provide non-partisan sources like the Hill. The rest are partisan tripe and untrustworthy.
I counter with these:
* The first, of course, is the Democratic romp over the Republicans in the recent elections. It had a lot to do with the voter's perception that their misery is being caused by the Republicans.
* Families USA — led a letter with 153 organizations urging Congress to permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits during the shutdown fight (Oct. 16, 2025).
Families USA
* American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) — multiple briefs and fact sheets pressing Congress to extend the enhanced credits before they expire (Feb. 2025).
Cancer Action Network
+2
Cancer Action Network
+2
* Doctors for America — statement urging Congress to extend the enhanced ACA subsidies (Oct. 24, 2025).
Doctors for America
* American Medical Association (AMA) — advocacy updates opposing cuts and highlighting physician-group support for extending enhanced premium tax credits (Sept.–Oct. 2025).
American Medical Association
+1
* AARP — multiple posts/alerts resisting cuts to ACA/Medicaid and warning of coverage losses; framed the ACA subsidies as central in the shutdown fight.
AARP
+2
AARP
+2
* Protect Our Care — steady campaign activity in states during open enrollment urging continuation of enhanced subsidies.
Protect Our Care
*Center for American Progress (CAP) — analysis arguing Congress should extend the enhanced credits to keep costs down.
Center for American Progress
Then there is the American public itself who overwhelmingly support the Democrats fight for their health care
* Oct 3, 2025 KFF Health Tracking Poll: 78% favored extending the enhanced ACA tax credits (Dem 92%, Ind 82%, GOP 59%).
KFF
+1
* Nov 6, 2025 KFF Health Tracking Poll (fielded Oct 27–Nov 2): 74% favored extension (Dem 94%, Ind 76%, GOP ~50%); KFF noted GOP/MAGA support dipped since October.
KFF
+1
Very strong support between two sequential polls with only minor drop off were you would expect it, right-leaning independents and Republicans. Still a WHOPPING 50% of Republicans want the Democrats to keep fighting for their health care!!!!!
Trump has spent 10 months sending the message that the government does what he wants. Demolishing the East Wing was just an exclamation mark on that. So it shouldn't be surprising that Republicans can't offload blame for the shutdown. If Trump wants the government open, why isn't it open?
He didn't wait for permission to blow up boats off the coast of Venezuela or to shutter USAID. Seems like if he wants to pay SNAP or air traffic controllers, he would just tell Treasury to do it....Shutter USAID and leading to the death of millions of innocent people. Boy, before he is done, history will know Trump as being responsible for more deaths in history.
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