The government shutdown has entered its third week, with the Senate preparing for yet another vote to reopen federal operations. The ongoing government shutdown has already strained agencies and workers, and tensions remain high as both parties hold firm to their demands.
Senators are expected to reconvene on Tuesday to vote on the House GOP’s continuing resolution, marking the eighth attempt to end the stalemate. However, despite the urgency, few lawmakers believe this round will produce a breakthrough. After a weekend away from Washington, both parties have returned entrenched in their positions.
Senate Republicans are pushing for passage of the House’s “clean” short-term funding bill. The measure would extend funding until November 21 and includes additional spending for lawmaker security and the District of Columbia’s budget. Nevertheless, Democrats continue to reject the plan, insisting on a broader deal that includes an extension of Obamacare subsidies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized that Democrats will not back the resolution without a clear agreement to protect health care benefits. In response, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has accused Democrats of political posturing, arguing that bipartisan cooperation is the only way forward.
During a press briefing, Thune said he believes some moderate Democrats could eventually join Republicans to end the impasse. “This is about doing what’s right for the country,” he noted. So far, only three Democratic-aligned senators—John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King—have consistently voted to reopen the government.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump authorized Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use available funds to ensure military personnel receive pay by October 15. The move temporarily eased one of the shutdown’s most urgent concerns but did little to resolve the broader funding crisis.
Schumer, however, maintained that Trump and GOP leaders must come to the table. “We want to end this shutdown as quickly as possible,” he said. “But Republicans need to negotiate with us seriously on health care costs.”
Republicans countered that Democrats previously supported short-term funding measures under President Biden. They argue the only difference now is that Trump has returned to office. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso criticized Democrats for playing “a political game,” insisting that national responsibility should outweigh partisanship.
The prolonged government shutdown continues to affect federal employees, small businesses, and economic stability. Another deadline looms as Senate staff face potential pay delays, adding urgency to calls for compromise.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen voiced concern over the toll on workers, urging leaders to prioritize reopening the government. “We need to sit down and talk,” she said, calling for renewed cooperation among all parties.
As the impasse stretches on, economists warn of growing risks to public confidence and fiscal stability. Still, both sides remain divided on the path forward, leaving millions of Americans waiting for relief from the government shutdown.
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