Government Shutdown

The federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, because Congress failed to pass the funding bills necessary to keep agencies and programs operational. These bills, or a temporary measure known as a continuing resolution, are necessary to pay federal employees and maintain services through the end of the fiscal year, which concludes on September 30. To reopen the government, Congress must pass new funding bills, which require approval from both the House and the Senate before the president can consider signing them into law.

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a temporary stopgap measure, despite opposition from members of both parties. The bill would keep federal agencies funded through November 21, 2025. Despite concerns and calls to address healthcare concerns, the continuing resolution did not extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025. If these credits are not extended before open enrollment starts on November 1, 2025, many families may not know if they can still afford health insurance through the ACA.

Almost 70,000 residents in North Carolina’s First Congressional District depend on these tax credits to pay for health insurance. After meeting with people across eastern North Carolina and hearing how H.R. 5371 could affect rural areas, I opposed the bill. While it passed the House, it did not garner enough support in the Senate.

A government shutdown and healthcare tax credits about to expire, hurts families throughout eastern North Carolina. Healthcare premiums for ACA recipients are anticipated to increase by an average of 114 percent. Meanwhile, I am working with both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to keep the government open and protect the ACA premium tax credits that help many working families, who are already experiencing tough times due to high costs, afford healthcare.