Republican lawmakers may face increasing blame for potential government shutdowns if a resolution isn’t reached soon, according to new polls released on Tuesday.
A recent survey indicated that 38% of participants hold Republicans responsible, while 27% point the finger at Democrats, and 31% see both parties as culpable. Only 4% claimed no accountability from either side.
This polling data comes just hours before a crucial deadline on Wednesday, which aims to avert government shutdowns. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed hope for voting on both Republican and Democratic funding proposals on Tuesday evening.
The Republican plan is described as “clean” and “non-partisan” by Speaker Mike Johnson, extending government funding until November 21st.
Conversely, the Democratic plan proposes funding until October, along with a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies and the restoration of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts.
Without a continuation of ACA subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, millions could see their health insurance premiums rise significantly.
There’s a prevailing sense that the funding proposals may not succeed, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
During a press conference, President Trump stated that if Democrats abstain from supporting a GOP-backed proposal, his administration might reduce specific government programs. Vice President Vance echoed this sentiment, remarking, “If the Democrats don’t do the right thing, we’re headed for a closure.”
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries argue that Republicans are not engaging in genuine negotiations.
This divide is evident in the latest polling results.
Among Democratic respondents, 66% would hold Republicans accountable for a shutdown, with only 10% blaming their own party and 23% blaming both sides. In contrast, 56% of Republican respondents attribute responsibility to Democrats, while 16% criticize the GOP, and 25% find fault with both.
Regarding independent voters, 41% indicated they would blame both parties, with 36% placing responsibility on Republicans and 19% on Democrats.
The poll surveyed 1,477 adults between September 22-26, with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
