Part 6/12:
The core issue revolved around increased subsidies and healthcare spending, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced economic activity. Once the public health crisis subsided, Republicans argued that federal healthcare spending should revert to pre-pandemic levels, citing mounting national debt and fiscal responsibility. Democrats, on the other hand, sought to maintain the elevated levels of spending, leading to deadlock.
Schumer and the Democratic leadership knew that Republicans would oppose permanent increases, making a shutdown an effective tactic to pressure for funding increases. This stalemate became a partisan battle, with some Democrats—especially newer, more radical voices—touting higher healthcare spending as a priority, regardless of fiscal implications.