(Top L-R) Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar (Below L-R) Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ghazala Hashmi / File Photo

Democratic leaders at both federal and statelevels have accused President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers of creating a crisis that threatens jobs and raises healthcare costs for millions of Americans amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) pointed to the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, arguing that Republicans “refused to come to the table for the good of our country” and instead allowed critical tax credits to lapse, leaving millions facing higher premiums. “Trump and congressional Republicans have chosen chaos and political theater at the expense of the people we serve,” he said.

Republicans have forced this government shutdown by refusing to negotiate, and that threatens millions with skyrocketing health care costs.

I’ll keep fighting to protect every family’s access to affordable care. pic.twitter.com/GhFv9aiIJP

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) October 1, 2025

Also Read: Congressmen Subramanyam and Bera decline pay during government shutdown

Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) echoed the criticism, declaring that Republicans, who control the White House and both chambers of Congress, had “officially chosen to shut down the government rather than deliver health care for the American people.” Her office said it would remain open to assist constituents navigating the impact on Social Security, Medicare, student loans, and veterans’ services.

Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. And now they’re using YOUR taxpayer dollars to try and shift blame.

This is a REPUBLICAN shutdown. Democrats are ready to negotiate whenever they decide to govern.https://t.co/F0RHQ7oJZB

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) October 2, 2025

Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) said in a post on X that Republicans had “shut down the federal government and closed agencies,” noting that while thousands of federal employees would be furloughed, essential benefits such as Social Security checks, Medicare payments, SNAP benefits, and veterans’ benefits would continue..

Republicans have shut down the federal government and closed agencies.

Thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, but essential benefits such as Social Security checks, Medicare payments, SNAP benefits, and Veterans benefits will continue to be distributed.

— Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) October 2, 2025

Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) also faulted Republicans, writing that “to reopen it, they just need to protect your health care. Instead, they’re risking doubled premiums to hand billionaires another tax break.”

Republicans shut down the government last night.

To reopen it, they just need to protect your health care.

Instead, they’re risking doubled premiums to hand billionaires another tax break.

— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) October 1, 2025

In Virginia, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor Senator Ghazala Hashmi warned that the shutdown and threatened mass firings would cause “even more chaos and harm to the Commonwealth.” 

Criticizing Trump’s policies, she said Virginia families are already suffering from job cuts and healthcare losses and accused Republican candidate John Reid of siding with Trump “over Virginians.”“Virginia deserves strong, capable, and competent state leaders who are ready to respond to this growing crisis and who will make decisions that protect all Virginians,” Hashmi said.

As lieutenant governor, I will always stand up to the Trump administration in defense of all Virginians. pic.twitter.com/AQQCEdKdgx

— Senator Hashmi (@SenatorHashmi) October 1, 2025

The shutdown stems from a standoff over healthcare funding, particularly Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Democrats have demanded an extension as part of any funding bill, warning that millions could face sharply higher insurance costs without them. Republicans argue the issue should be debated separately, after reopening the government.

White House estimates suggest the economy could lose up to $15 billion in GDP each week the government remains closed. Nearly 750,000 federal employees are expected to be furloughed, with agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services already announcing significant workforce reductions. While Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security payments will continue, administrative slowdowns are expected to affect millions of Americans