MUST WATCH: John Kennedy Predicts End to Government Shutdown

MUST WATCH: John Kennedy Predicts End to Government Shutdown

**MUST WATCH: John Kennedy Predicts End to Government Shutdown**

As the U.S. federal government shutdown enters its **38th day**, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) offered a sobering yet cautiously optimistic assessment of the impasse. ([Fox News][1])

### What Kennedy is saying

Kennedy told reporters that, despite rumors of a breakthrough, he believes an agreement to reopen the government remains **at least a week away**, and possibly even **two weeks or more**. ([Fox News][1])
He emphasised that while there are discussions on passing three appropriations bills, the real sticking point—the fate of health-insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—remains unresolved. “It’s got nothing to do with health insurance … that still doesn’t solve the health-insurance problem,” Kennedy remarked. ([Good Morning America][2])

### The broader context

* The shutdown began at the start of October when Congress failed to agree on funding for fiscal year 2026. ([Wikipedia][3])
* One of the most significant obstacles: Democrats are demanding an extension of expiring ACA premium tax credits as part of any deal to reopen the government. Republicans say they will *not* negotiate on healthcare until the government is reopened. ([Good Morning America][4])
* The effects are tangible: federal employees are furloughed or working without pay, aviation safety and food-aid programs are under strain. ([Moneycontrol][5])

### Why Kennedy’s estimate matters

* Kennedy sits in the Senate and is part of the budget/appropriations deliberations, so his timeline carries weight.
* His estimate of 7-14 days gives a **near-term window** for potentially resolving the shutdown—important for federal workers, contractors, and communities relying on government services.
* That being said: He also expressed genuine doubt about a quick fix. Earlier he characterised the negotiations as an “intergalactic freak show,” signalling his scepticism. ([The Daily Beast][6])

### What to watch next

* Will a vote be scheduled this weekend in the Senate to advance the House-passed continuing resolution or a stop-gap measure? Reports suggest Republicans are planning one. ([CBS News][7])
* Will the healthcare subsidy demand get folded into the reopening bill, or deferred until afterward? That appears to be a key disagreement. ([Good Morning America][4])
* How long will federal workers remain unpaid? The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the economic and human cost.
* Will moderate Democrats break rank and provide the votes needed? Kennedy’s timeline partly depends on bipartisan movement.

### The takeaway

While Kennedy is offering a **tentative end-date window**, his tone warns that *nothing is resolved yet*. The next week or two may prove pivotal: either lawmakers make a deal, or the shutdown drags on even further with mounting consequences.