Blame Game Worsens as Shutdown Lingers

Democratic and Republican lawmakers continued blaming each other for the federal government shutdown and their refusal to negotiate during appearances on Sunday talk shows.

Lawmakers are still arguing over Democrats’ demand to include an extension of subsidies for healthcare plans in the stopgap funding measure.

Speaker Mike Johnson said the House won’t convene this week, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced an in-person Democratic Caucus meeting, Liz Moyer and Janet H. Cho reported. for Barron's Daily

Prediction markets see the shutdown extending past this week. On Polymarket, 95% are betting it lasts beyond Oct. 15, while just 5% see it ending by Oct. 14. On Kalshi, 61% expect the shutdown to last more than 30 days, and 46% expect it to last more than 35 days.

President Trump named Dan Scavino, a deputy chief of staff, to also head the Presidential Personnel Office.

This comes as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed thousands of layoffs by federal agencies, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recalled some scientists.

Lawmakers are still arguing over Democrats’ demand to include an extension of subsidies for healthcare plans in the stopgap funding measure. Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of “eating up the clock” on the issue, while Jeffries said it is urgent because open enrollment begins Nov. 1.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave senators a four-day weekend and said the Senate will return on Tuesday, when the next vote on a stopgap funding measure could be scheduled.

The Senate has failed to pass the resolution seven times, unable to reach the 60-vote threshold.