In Case You Haven't Heard…

The current (as of October 1) government shutdown is only the second one in the same year. Remember last March? The House of Representatives passed a by final appropriations bill for the current fiscal year (which just ended) by a 217-213 vote. Then-President Biden signed a Continuing Resolution in December 2024 to keep the government going. Now, the standoff between Congressional Republicans, who voted to slash funding for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies in H.R. 1, and Democrats, who staunchly oppose those cuts but are outnumbered, has led to the shutdown. Despite holding the power in the White House and Congress, Republicans were not able to keep the government open. President Trump threatened to fire federal employees en masse if the shutdown went forward. The ramifications for services for people who need them – people with substance use disorders – are drastic, either way. We hope things get up and running again soon – this time, with Medicaid and insurance subsidies included. Without them, treatment will be hurt, which means, Americans will be hurt.