(Oct. 28, 2025) - The federal government shutdown is now officially four weeks old, and cracks are starting to show on both sides. While the official party lines have remained the same, important players in both the Republican and Democratic parties have voiced a desire to figure something out quickly before severe repercussions emerge.
The fault lines of the current crisis are well known. Republicans want a “clean” continuing resolution to reopen the government without addressing any additional issues. Meanwhile Democrats want an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans have majorities in both chambers and control the White House. A united bloc of Democratic senators can deny votes on any bill via filibuster. In the end, there will have to be some kind of negotiated solution, and while the way out isn’t entirely clear yet, the voices of compromise are starting to sing.
At the end of this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will run out of money to continue providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps. Some Republicans, notably Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and John Cornyn (R-TX), want to pass a one shot bill to fund this federal government function. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers’ union and a major Democratic constituency, called on Congress yesterday to pass a clean CR.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of what most believe will be the issue that pushes everyone to the table. ACA open enrollment begins on Saturday, Nov. 1. Marketplace insurance customers will see how much premiums are set to increase without an extension of the EPTCs. One reason why Democrats are digging in on this matter is they believe there is a bipartisan majority in favor of extending the EPTCs, but Republican congressional leadership wants to avoid a vote on it. Once the true cost of inaction is known, a path forward is likely to emerge attempting to find some middle ground on both EPTCs and a fiscal year 2026 budget.
Last Thursday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The hearing, which did not include any input from hospital groups, reviewed various recommendations by the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office on potential changes to the program. Many committee members appeared to support some kind of increased oversight on hospitals that would reduce duplicative benefits and ensure the program’s benefits are directed to serve low-income patients.
The Kansas Hospital Association has worked closely with our delegation on both issues in the past. We believe that in Kansas, there is no double-dipping problem due to the thorough work done by both hospitals and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for many years. Additionally, KHA has engaged with our congressional delegation on ideas to show that savings are being applied to programs that benefit low-income populations. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) is a member of the Senate’s 340B working group, and KHA supports its continued thoughtful work. We will continue to answer any questions the Senate HELP Committee, other committees or members of Congress might have about this program’s importance to Kansas’ hospitals.