Democrats refuse to budge on healthcare demands despite military pay concerns

In the United States, the government remains in a shutdown as of October 11, 2025, with Congressional Democrats holding firm in their position against Republicans over healthcare demands. Democrats argue that they cannot compromise on funding that would affect the Affordable Care Act, even as they face criticism from some party members who are concerned about the impact of missed military paychecks on active-duty service members. The last missed paychecks for military personnel were set for October 15, raising anxiety among vulnerable Democrats who fear public backlash if service members do not receive their pay during the shutdown. As the budget standoff continues, data shows that public perception currently favors Democrats, with many Americans blaming the GOP for the shutdown. Democrats are preparing a messaging campaign aimed at military members and their families to emphasize their commitment to fighting for healthcare against what they characterize as Republican negligence. Meanwhile, anxiety grows among some Republicans who face pressure to act on military pay, fearing that failure to do so could damage their political standing in the upcoming midterms. The strategy from GOP leadership appears to be a risky gamble, as they choose to not intervene to prevent military pay delays, with plans to hold firm until Democrats agree to their demands. Some vulnerable Republicans express frustration regarding the party’s course of action, wishing to distance themselves from the consequences of the shutdown, particularly regarding military pay. This situation highlights a growing divide in party strategies, with some calling for action to alleviate the impact on service members. On the Democratic side, there are worries that if public notices about rising healthcare premiums are delayed, it will be harder to make the connection between the government shutdown and the potential increases in costs for their constituents. Despite these concerns, Democratic leaders have announced they will not compromise on their demands unless a thorough agreement is secured to extend funding for Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, the impasse continues, with the potential for significant public consequences as military paychecks go missing, putting pressure on both parties moving forward.