Democrats are standing firm in the government shutdown standoff, even as U.S. troops face the prospect of missing their October 15 paychecks.
Party leaders believe holding their position will pressure President Donald Trump and Republicans to restore billions in Affordable Care Act subsidies.
We’re one week into the government shutdown, but the most concerning aspect is that we’re less than one week away from our military missing their first paycheck. This becomes real very fast. Democrat congressional leadership continues to use this shutdown as leverage for things… pic.twitter.com/BMtSgPSKWX
— Congressman Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) October 8, 2025
Despite concerns from moderates, Democrats remain united, betting that voters will blame the GOP for both the shutdown and rising health care premiums.
Sen. Raphael Warnock said, “It’s not either-or. It’s both—troops deserve pay and Americans deserve health care.”
Military families turn to food pantries as Democrat shutdown continues
— Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) October 9, 2025
Schumer: every day gets better pic.twitter.com/JAp7wvxamv
Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, are ramping up messaging efforts linking the shutdown to Republican obstruction.
Internal critics warn the strategy could backfire if Americans don’t immediately feel the impact of premium hikes.
Still, left-wing groups like Indivisible are urging Democrats to “keep fighting” as public polling continues to favor them over the GOP.
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