Senate stalemate continues the federal government shutdown. The Senate rejected another attempt to reopen agencies on Friday. Today leaders are expected to force a fifth vote on a House-passed bill to fund the government through November 21. Politico reports the GOP stopgap failed 54–44; a Democratic alternative tied to health policy also failed 52–46. The White House signaled more targeted funding cuts and prepared for potential mass federal layoffs, while Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) pressed Democrats to reopen the government before negotiating, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reiterated Democrats’ push to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies ahead of open enrollment, which starts November 1.
Public support is strong for extending ACA tax credits. A new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds that 78 percent of adults want Congress to extend the enhanced Marketplace tax credits, including 59 percent of Republicans and 57 percent of respondents who identify as “Make America Great Again” supporters. The survey—conducted September 23–29 among 1,334 adults—also reports that 86 percent would be concerned if expiration made coverage unaffordable for many who buy their own insurance.
In turn, shutdown politics are getting trickier. As the shutdown continues, White House aides may be weighing proposals to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies while publicly insisting negotiations wait until government reopens. The Wall Street Journal reports advisers are concerned about higher premiums for millions if subsidies expire and note that consumers begin shopping for 2026 plans next month.
New tariffs add costs to residential construction during housing crisis. TPC’s Elena Patel, with Robert McClelland and John Wong, estimate that recent and scheduled tariffs will add roughly $30 billion to the cost of residential structures investment, with about 90 percent of those costs falling on new construction. The housing supply remains millions of units short of estimated demand.
IRS digital vision lands at Treasury after leadership changes. Former IRS user experience director April Harding says she submitted an “IRS 2029+” strategic plan to Treasury before departing under the deferred resignation program. According to Tax Notes, the plan targets three areas—tax collection, customer service, and taxpayer data—and proposes new product teams and leadership roles to drive digital delivery. Ongoing turnover and IT staffing losses could complicate timelines, but Harding describes the framework as a “thought-starter” for future modernization.
Michigan budget deal includes wholesale marijuana tax for roads. Michigan lawmakers approved a budget that adds a 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana sales to help fund transportation, alongside changes that enable a 20-cent-per-gallon fuel tax increase without raising pump prices. The Lansing State Journal reports projected road funding increases of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion annually, including an estimated $420 million a year from the marijuana tax. Supporters cite long-term infrastructure needs; critics warn of impacts on the legal cannabis market.
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