Wisconsin Senators Clash Over Government Shutdown Resolution
The deadlock over the federal government shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history, has revealed sharp differences between Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators. While Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, criticizes the proposed resolution for lacking assurances on healthcare tax credits, Republican Ron Johnson welcomes the potential end of the impasse but pushes for future preventative measures.
Baldwin is adamant that any agreement should include guarantees for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, asserting, “it is not enough” otherwise. In contrast, Johnson shared his relief that the shutdown might be concluding but emphasized the need for legislation to prevent such occurrences in the future. “It is kicking the can down the road. You know what’s going to happen on Feb. 1, when this continuing resolution runs out,” Johnson remarked on WPR’s Wisconsin Today.
Eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans in an initial step to conclude the 41-day shutdown. According to Politico, the deal supports funding full fiscal year operations for several federal departments, with others funded until January 30. The Trump administration has agreed to rehire the government employees affected by the funding gap, while Senate Republicans assured a December vote on extending ACA tax credits.
Baldwin expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “I have been in Washington at the table trying to reopen our government and find a compromise to make sure that 275,000 Wisconsinites don’t have their health care costs go through the roof next year.” She voiced concern that the deal lacks concrete commitments to address these issues.
Criticism also came from within Baldwin’s party. Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker voiced disappointment over the compromise, saying, “This moment requires us to fight, not fold.”
Meanwhile, Johnson has proposed legislation aimed at preventing future shutdowns by automatically extending previous year funding for 14 days if new budget agreements are not reached. However, Senate Democrats have rejected this bill, fearing it would give the President undue power over federal employee payments.
Johnson argues that Democrats’ focus on ACA credits highlights the program’s flaws, suggesting most Americans are unaffected by the credit expiration. In Wisconsin, over 270,000 residents received $1.9 million in enhanced tax credits last year, integral to the ACA’s 2025 enrollment.
According to a KFF analysis, premiums for Wisconsin’s second-lowest silver plan are projected to jump 23% next year.
Johnson expressed sympathy for those losing subsidies but insisted on significant changes to the ACA. He and fellow Republicans have called for repealing the ACA, a move Democrats argue lacks a GOP alternative.
As the shutdown drags on, impacts have been felt across the nation, with federal workers furloughed, air travel affected by reduced traffic control staff, and federal food assistance funds withheld.
