We’re on track for the longest shutdown in U.S. history, taking the place of, you guessed it, Donald’s first term. Republicans continue to fail at every level of government, and everyday Americans are literally going to pay the price.

Here’s what Democrats are doing: We’re standing firm for the right to affordable healthcare, demanding action to get workers paid, families fed, and fighting to reopen the government so communities can breathe again. Democrats are showing up — in Congress, in Raleigh, and in every community across North Carolina — to protect the people the GOP left behind.

Let’s be clear: this is a Republican-made crisis. They refuse to fix the health care crisis they created.

Open enrollment is right around the corner, and thanks to Republicans, nearly 1 million North Carolinians face healthcare premiums that will nearly double — along with the stress of figuring out how to afford coverage for their families.

While Republicans spread lies, skip town, and play politics with people’s lives, Democrats are still in Washington, fighting to reopen the government and protect affordable healthcare. Families shouldn’t have to choose between a doctor’s visit and groceries — and they sure shouldn’t have to pay for Republican incompetence.

As you head to the polls in 2026, remember: Republicans created this mess — and they don’t care what it costs you.

As of October 1, Medicaid reimbursements for personal care services have been slashed by 8%.

685,000 North Carolinians, including 50% of NC children, will be affected by medicaid expansion cuts.

Let’s be clear: These cuts fall firmly on Republican leaders in the NCGA.

  • Republicans shut down the government to avoid answering why they want to cut healthcare for millions while giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

  • Trump’s policies began ripping away Medicaid from hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.

  • The NC General Assembly failed to fund Medicaid, creating a $300 million shortfall, leading to provider rate cuts and service cuts.

  • If Republicans succeed, healthcare costs could more than double for nearly a million North Carolinians — premiums could rise by $650 or more per year.

  • Democrats want to reverse $319 million in Medicaid cuts and extend ACA subsidies to protect affordable healthcare.

Impacts On
North Carolina

  • 140,000 federal workers in NC are furloughed or working without pay.

  • Tourism is suffering, especially in WNC, where recovery from Hurricane Helene depends on visitors.

  • TSA agents and air traffic controllers at Asheville airport are working without pay.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park stays open only because local governments and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are covering costs.

  • USDA, EPA, and NOAA/NCEI (based in Asheville) are heavily furloughed, disrupting key climate, agriculture, and environmental data services.

  • 200,000 pregnant women and children risk losing WIC support.

  • 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on SNAP face uncertainty; 80% of these households include a child, senior, or disabled adult.

  • Active-duty military and essential federal employees could go weeks without pay if the shutdown continues.

Impacts On
Helene Recovery

  • Over a year later, only 9% of needed federal funding has been approved for WNC recovery.

  • Local governments are fronting recovery costs, leaving small counties financially strained.

  • The shutdown is delaying FEMA reimbursements and new project approvals, slowing recovery further.

  • Agencies like USDA, HUD, and DOT are critical for recovery—but their workers are furloughed or unpaid.

  • Each day the shutdown continues, recovery slows and costs rise.

All because Republicans don’t want YOU to have affordable healthcare.

It’s not just workers paying the price. Critical programs are grinding to a halt. Critical services like WIC are straining under the pressure, leaving nearly 200k pregnant women and children across North Carolina facing challenges accessing nutritious meals. USDOT slowdowns mean our storm-damaged roads and everyday commutes sit in limbo. HUD freezes leaves housing assistance in limbo, leaving our neighbors one notice away from the street.

All because Republicans don’t want YOU to have affordable healthcare.

The government is supposed to serve the people, not serve as a political weapon — and Democrats are holding that line. We’re on the frontlines, fighting tooth and nail to protect your healthcare and get America back up and running.

Democrats’ Position

Reopen the government responsibly.

Protect affordable healthcare and extend ACA subsidies.

Reverse harmful Medicaid cuts that endanger rural hospitals.

Support working families, not political brinkmanship.