Iowans brace for impact as government shutdown looms

DES MOINES, Iowa — A shutdown of the federal government is looming. The U.S. Senate has been working to pass a continuing resolution to fund itself for seven weeks, but the Republican majority has been unable to find the support.

While the party has control of both chambers in Congress and the presidency, Republicans need 60 votes in the Senate to pass a resolution. Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said the discrepancies have come as a result of partisan proposals from Democrats.

“Government is a service to the people. So, how can it be a service to the people when it costs money to shut the government down and it costs money to open the government back up again?” Grassley said. “I hope my Democrat colleagues will drop their partisan, unserious proposals and work with Republicans to keep the government open.”

One of those proposals is to extend tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act. Those help people pay insurance premiums, but they’re currently set to expire. 

Lori Hunt is a Des Moines resident who lost her job and is a recipient of the credits.

“If I didn’t have it, my health insurance cost would be more than my mortgage payment,” Hunt said. “I mean, that’s how expensive these premiums are.”

She worries if the government shuts down, the conversation over this will discontinue.