Blue Press Journal

Tag: budget

  • Trump and House Republicans Absent as Government Shutdown Drags On

    Blue Press Journal – The government shutdown has entered its second week, and the American public is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in resolving the crisis. While the effects of the shutdown become more apparent, President Donald Trump and most House Republicans are noticeably absent from the negotiations.

    Trump, who has touted himself as a great deal maker, is currently in Asia, leaving many to wonder if he has any concerns for the American public. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has opted to keep the lower chamber out of session this week, earning criticism for leading a “do nothing” Republican Congress.

    The absence of Trump and House Republicans from the negotiations has drawn growing scrutiny. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) expressed his frustration during a CNBC interview on Monday, “How can I negotiate? The president is in Asia for five days. Johnson is basically keeping… the House of Representatives out until January to stop and protect pedophiles. So who am I negotiating with right now?”

    Even some Republicans are criticizing Trump’s lack of engagement. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told CNN’s Manu Raju, “I don’t know that we’ve ever had a shutdown… where the president was not engaged at the end. And so I think that that would certainly help.”

    The shutdown has already started to take its toll on the economy, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay. The longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the consequences will be. It is clear that the Republicans have no interest in governing, and their absence from the negotiations is a stark reminder of their priorities.

  • The Looming Healthcare Crisis: How Republican Refusal to Negotiate ACA Tax Credits Will Devastate Americans

    Blue Press Journal – As the government shutdown continues, a pressing concern is being overlooked: the fate of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Republicans in Congress have stubbornly refused to negotiate an extension of these crucial credits, claiming there is ample time to address the issue once the government is funded. However, this delay will have severe consequences for millions of Americans, who will soon face skyrocketing healthcare premiums.

    The Clock is Ticking

    With open enrollment for the ACA marketplace set to begin on November 1 in most states, premiums are being decided now. If Congress fails to act, many Americans will start feeling the pinch within weeks. In fact, some states, like Idaho, will begin their open enrollment period as early as October 15, just two weeks from now. “It’s really important to underscore that… So that’s two weeks from now,” said Devon Trolley, executive director of the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority.

    The Human Cost

    The consequences of inaction will be dire. Premiums could more than double if insurers believe the tax credits will be allowed to expire. This will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families, who rely on these credits to afford healthcare. According to a recent analysis by the health policy nonprofit KFF, 77% of ACA market enrollees (18.7 million people) live in states won by President Trump in the 2024 election. These states have received more premium tax credits and seen more enrollment growth than others.

    Bipartisan Support for Tax Credit Extension

    The KFF survey also found that 78% of adults believe Congress should extend the enhanced tax credits for the ACA marketplace. This includes 92% of Democrats, 82% of independents, and 59% of Republicans. The numbers are clear: there is broad support for extending these tax credits, regardless of party affiliation.

    Table: ACA Market Enrollees by State

    StateNumber of EnrolleesPercentage of Enrollees
    Alabama140,00073%
    Arizona230,00081%
    Florida1,900,00085%
    Georgia430,00079%
    Texas1,100,00083%

    The Blame Game

    Democrats maintain that Republicans will be to blame for both the shutdown and the resulting hike in premiums. “Republicans would rather shut down the government than address a health care crisis that is threatening to shut down small businesses across the country,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in a briefing on Friday. “And because Republicans have refused to save the health care tax credits that millions of people rely on, health care costs are about to more than double for families across the country.”

    The Real Motive

    It’s clear that the Republican refusal to negotiate on the budget bill is a direct result of their desire to preserve massive tax breaks for billionaires and millionaires. By prioritizing the interests of the wealthy over those of everyday Americans, Republicans are putting millions of people at risk of losing access to affordable healthcare.

    The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction will be severe. Republicans must set aside partisan games and work with Democrats to extend ACA tax credits. Millions of Americans depend on this. The KFF survey shows broad support for these tax credits, making it imperative for Congress to act to avoid a healthcare crisis. Will Republicans listen to the American people, or prioritize the wealthy?

  • No so fact republicans … you will be held accountable for a shutdown. 

    On Tuesday, the House narrowly approved a continuing resolution to fund the government until the end of September. However, this decision was met with criticism from Senate Democrats who accused Republicans of taking a partisan approach by excluding them from the drafting process.

    With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats and needing 60 votes to defeat a filibuster, the bill’s passage was not guaranteed. The main issue with the bill is that it advances President Trump’s/Musk’s projects without proper oversight from Congress, undermining the power of the purse. Both are in a full destroy programs and agencies the middle class relies on.  

    Senate Democrats are pushing for a one-month bill to allow for further negotiations on a new appropriations agreement. They are also seeking to limit Elon Musk’s powers to dismantle the government without congressional approval.

    The exclusion of Democrats from the process has raised concerns among some senators and aides, who fear setting a dangerous precedent. By supporting the bill, they would essentially be giving House Republicans free rein to dictate government funding without bipartisan input.

    Senator Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico condemned House Republicans for their actions, warning that they would be held responsible for any potential shutdown. Despite Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House, they continue to shift blame onto the minority party.

    In reality, the Republicans are the ones in control, and it is their plan and budget that have led to this mess. It is time for them to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

  • Trump’s Golfing is a Taxpayer Burden

    While Elon Musk is busy cutting slashing jobs, Donald Trump is out on the golf course, spending taxpayer money like it’s going out of style. Trump’s golfing habit has cost American taxpayers over $18 million since he took office, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Today marks his 13th day on the golf course out of his first 48 days in office – priorities, right?

    Not only does Trump insist on playing golf at his Florida courses, but he also makes sure to arrive in style on Air Force One, with his motorcade vehicles being flown in on military transports. Because, you know, nothing says “fiscal responsibility” like a fleet of vehicles being airlifted for a golf outing.

    Meanwhile, as Musk is making “illegal” decisions and cutting jobs, many are veterans, Trump is living it up on the green. Priorities, people. Priorities.

  • The Puppet Master – Elon Musk

    It’s quite comical how Trump, in all his old age glory, is struggling to keep up with the fast-paced world of politics. It’s almost as if Elon Musk has taken the reins and Trump is just along for the ride. The toll of the Big Macs is evident – he’s not the sharp Donald we once knew. He now rambles, forgets his whereabouts, and can’t even remember names.

    Elon, being the savvy businessman he is, has seized this opportunity to further his billionaire agenda, even if it comes at the expense of us common folk. And now, he’s resorting to threats against anyone who dares to oppose him, with poor tired Trump obediently following suit.

    What’s next on the agenda? Perhaps Elon will decide to dip his fingers into social security. But hey, who did you really vote for – Trump or Elon? It’s all just a big puppet show at this point.

    GOP lawmakers now face job danger from ‘Musk Republicans’ in 2026: ex-RNC official

    ‘Too old for the job’ Trump nailed on MSNBC for letting Elon Musk fight his battles