The United States government shutdown continues toward a grim new record. This political impasse now threatens to become the longest in American history. Senators are returning to a paralyzed Washington D.C. this week. However, neither side shows any sign of yielding. The central dispute involves soon-to-expire Obamacare healthcare subsidies. Consequently, millions of Americans face potential financial strain.
Late Tuesday will mark a sobering thirty-six day milestone. This duration will officially break the previous shutdown record. Meanwhile, federal workers are missing crucial paychecks. Furthermore, critical benefit programs are now drying up. The Senate remains in a frustrating holding pattern. Nevertheless, some lawmakers expressed cautious optimism recently. Bipartisan discussions apparently increased throughout last week.
Democratic leaders are firmly demanding a deal first. They want Congress to address the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of this issue. He warned families will soon see drastic premium increases. People will feel a pit in their stomachs, Schumer dramatically predicted. Therefore, his caucus refuses to fund the government currently.
Republicans generally agree the subsidies need an extension. However, they also want significant reforms to the program. Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered Democrats a vote. Democrats immediately rejected this proposal as completely insufficient. They insist President Donald Trump must personally get involved. The president just returned from an overseas trip to Asia.
President Trump is simultaneously keeping his distance. He also absolutely refuses to meet with Democratic leaders. Trump declared he will not negotiate under these circumstances. He forcefully said he will not be extorted by Democrats. The president believes these politicians have lost their way. He insists they must reopen the government first.
Meanwhile, Trump is pressuring his own party from the sidelines. He repeatedly urges Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster. This procedural rule requires a sixty-vote supermajority. Abolishing it would allow simple majority votes on legislation. This idea remains a deeply unpopular concept for many senators. Trump calls them weak for not taking this action.
Consequently, the record-breaking government shutdown continues with no clear end. Both political parties are entrenched in their opposing positions. American families consequently bear the brunt of this failure. Federal benefits for millions remain in serious jeopardy. The political stalemate therefore deepens with each passing day. The government shutdown continues as a national embarrassment. Ultimately, the government shutdown continues without a resolution in sight.
