

ICYMI: A Face-off Ahead Of Another Possible Government Shutdown
Sep 3, 2025
Arthur Delaney, a Senior Reporter at HuffPost covering Congress, dives into the high-stakes environment as lawmakers rush to avert a government shutdown. He discusses the intense pressures and partisan tensions surrounding budget negotiations, exacerbated by the aftermath of Trump's spending policies. Delaney highlights the Republican stance, suggesting the ball is in the Democrats' court, while Democrats brace for a political showdown. The chaos of navigating bipartisan agreements in this unpredictable landscape showcases the urgency and complexities of current legislative challenges.
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Epstein Files Released But Hard To Use
- The House Oversight Committee released tens of thousands of Epstein-related records after a bipartisan DOJ subpoena.
- Critics say the files are hard to search and may be an attempt to limit full transparency.
Senate Gridlock Raises Shutdown Risk
- The Senate effectively requires bipartisan support because 60 votes are likely needed despite GOP control of 53 seats.
- That makes avoiding a shutdown uncertain even if the House passes funding on party-line votes.
Health Care Cuts Drive Democratic Leverage
- Democrats are emphasizing restoration of health care funding cut in Trump's bill as a key negotiating point.
- Leaders mention health care as a major talking point but haven't publicly set it as an explicit demand yet.