Plurality of Voters Prefer Clean “CR” and continued negotiations on Covid-era Obamacare subsidies
More voters initially blame Republicans for the government shutdown. But after learning that House Republicans passed a short-term bill to reopen the government at current spending levels—and that Democrats are demanding more spending before agreeing to reopen—blame shifts to the Democrats.
This shift reflects voters’ frustration with rising spending, Democratic unwillingness to compromise, and their strong desire to reopen government quickly.
WHY IT MATTERS
The government shutdown is now in its second week. Public pressure—and which side voters blame most—will determine how it ends.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
- Opponents of more spending should highlight that Republicans have a bill to reopen the government at current spending levels. It’s Democrats who are keeping government closed until spending increases.
- Republicans can also emphasize their willingness to negotiate on the expiring COVID-era Obamacare subsidies while pointing out that Democrats are the ones refusing to compromise.
- Finally, they should remind voters that Democrats want to undo popular Medicaid reforms—like work requirements for able-bodied adults and restrictions on covering illegal immigrants.
3-in-4 Voters Say It’s Important to Reopen
75% of voters say quickly reopening the government is important, including 44% who say its very important.
This includes 75% of Republicans, 82% of Democrats, and 69% of independents.
Among “unconverted MAGA” voters (those who approve of Trump policies but aren’t voting GOP for Congress) 82% say its important to reopen quickly.
Voters Reject More Spending
When asked what kind of budget Congress should pass to reopen the government:
- 45% prefer cutting spending.
- 27% prefer keeping spending about the same.
- Just 13% want increased spending.
Even among Democrats, only 19% support higher spending—showing how far party leaders are from their voters.
Given Context, Blame Flips to Democrats
Without additional information, 37% blame Republicans for the shutdown and 25% blame Democrats.
After learning that Republicans passed a clean resolution to reopen the government and continue negotiations, blame for Democrats rises to 39% (+14 points), while blame for Republicans drops to 30% (-7 points).
The largest shifts toward blaming Democrats occur among Republicans, independents and Gen Z voters.
Voters Back GOP “Reopen First” Approach
44% agree more with Republicans, who support a short-term bill to reopen government now while negotiating a longer-term deal on expiring COVID subsidies.
38% agree more with Democrats, who insist on extending subsidies before reopening.
Partisan divisions are high.
- 85% of Republicans side with their party’s position.
- 66% of Democrats side with theirs.
- Independents are divided (36% GOP, 40% Democrat).
Among “unconverted MAGA” voters, 43%-35% prefer the Republican approach.
Voters Support Keeping Medicaid Reforms
44% of voters agree with Republicans that the budget should not undo Medicaid reforms – such as work requirements, eligibility checks, and limits on covering illegal immigrants.
39% side with Democrats, who want to reverse these reforms at an estimated cost of $1 trillion over ten years.
While voters remain partisan, independents favor the GOP position 43%-33%.
“Hold the Line” on Spending
45% of voters say Republicans should hold firm against higher spending, even if it means a longer shutdown.
39% say Republicans should compromise.
- 84% of Republicans support holding the line.
- 45% of Democrats agree.
- 34% of independents side with Republicans, while 72% of Democrats favor compromise.
The Bottom Line
Americans want the shutdown to end—but not by giving in to higher spending.
Once voters learn Republicans passed a clean bill and Democrats are blocking it to demand more money, blame shifts to Democrats and voters align with the GOP position.