November 4, 2025

Bringing you the latest news impacting our network from Congress and the Administration.

Federal Shutdown: Take Action; LSA Policy Committee Kickoff; and More

Federal Government Shutdown: The Latest

Where do things stand?

More than a month into the federal government shutdown, bipartisan negotiations are showing signs of progress amidst increasing pressure on lawmakers. A three-part framework is emerging in the Senate that could pave the way to reopening the government, including:

• A vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits
• A new short-term continuing resolution (CR)
• A “mini-bus” appropriations bill to fund military construction, agriculture, and legislative affairs

Senators from both parties expressed cautious optimism, with Majority Leader John Thune saying, “I think we're getting close to an off-ramp here,” and Minority Whip Dick Durbin noting that negotiators “seem more optimistic.”

What now?

Republicans are not yet aligned on the duration of the CR, with some favoring a short-term approach through January 21, and others pushing for a longer extension into March. The White House favors a more extended solution, potentially through December 2026, though appropriators remain skeptical. Meanwhile, at least some Democrats seem prepared to support a short-term CR in exchange for a vote on ACA tax credits.

What's at stake?

With open enrollment for ACA plans underway in several states, if no deal emerges to extend enhanced premium tax credits, millions face steep premium hikes. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly 4 million people could lose coverage over the next decade if the subsidies expire.

Take Action Today: Use the online tool below from our partner, the National Council on Nonprofits, to contact your Senators and Representative and ask them to quickly reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. 

Snap and HUD Funding Continue For Now

Two judicial orders have temporarily extended federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through November, using reserves to partially fund the program. While President Trump has introduced further uncertainty by threatening to defy the court orders until the government shutdown has ended, the Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, has issued guidance to states for distributing the partial payments. Remaining gaps continue to be filled by local non-profits like LSA members, along with food banks.  

Meanwhile, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is extending funding for public housing operations and housing choice vouchers through the month of December, using “available funds” to cover costs as is consistent with previous government shutdowns.

LSA Policy and Advocacy Committee Launches, Addressing Key Policy Priorities

Last week, the Lutheran Services in America new Public Policy and Advocacy Committee convened for the first time, following a successful pilot phase that concluded over the summer. The expanded, permanent body, with two-year terms for current members, represents member organizations across service lines—from children, youth, and families to senior services and people with disabilities. The Committee will guide, inform, and elevate our network’s federal policy agenda, with a focus on three priority issue areas: 

• Medicaid: improve coverage and access to care; increase reimbursement for services; and ensure a sustainable workforce
• Housing & Health: expand access to affordable and rural housing with services and supports; incentivize faith-based land conversions; improve and expand resources; and leverage technology
• Workforce: Strengthen & improve recruitment and retention; build and strengthen the pipeline; and ensure readiness

To learn more, you can review our new policy one-pagers, linked above.  

For more information, contact Sarah Dobson or Bill Kallestad

What We're Reading

• Rural Health Transformation - New FAQ from CMS on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program 

• Inform Medicaid state level efforts - The Medical Frailty Exemption: The Implementation Cornerstone of Medicaid Work Requirements 

• Workforce - Farmers Warn Trump of $5 Billion Hit Without More Migrant Visas 

• Medicaid Cuts & their impact in CA and beyond - How Could Cuts to Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services Impact California? 
• Bipartisanship on ACA subsidies - Some Republicans back ACA subsidies. Their districts explain why - Modern Healthcare AND How the 7 most vulnerable House Republicans feel about an ACA extension 
• New polling on future of health insurance - Many voters say health care unaffordable, are open to new insurance system: Poll 
• Medicaid - KFF: Challenges with Implementing Work Requirements: Findings from a Survey of State Medicaid Programs 
• Workforce - 4 Strategies Providers Are Using to Strengthen the Healthcare Workforce 
• Medicaid - State Medicaid programs ordered to find undocumented immigrants

For more information, please contact Sarah Dobson, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, or Bill Kallestad, Senior Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Disability Network.