The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 37th day, sees Senate Republicans proposing a new funding plan as bipartisan lawmakers seek a compromise amid rising concerns for federal workers.
The record-breaking government shutdown has entered its 37th day, prompting Senate Republicans to propose a new funding plan. Bipartisan lawmakers are now seeking a compromise as concerns grow over the impact on federal workers and essential services.
“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., echoing Winston Churchill’s famous words.
While the proposal marks a significant step, it is important to note that it is not a formal agreement but rather an attempt to initiate discussions. Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly anxious about the shutdown’s effects, particularly on aviation safety and the potential disruption of emergency food benefits like SNAP.
Despite the urgency, finding common ground remains a challenge. “There seems to be some indication of a thaw,” Blumenthal noted, highlighting a cautious optimism among lawmakers.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., expressed hope that progress could be made soon, stating, “I’m optimistic that we should get something done this week. I think there’s a path forward here.”
On Tuesday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., suggested that a Senate vote could occur as early as Thursday, although he tempered his expectations by admitting, “I’m just making assumptions.”
The current shutdown, which has persisted since October 1, has left many uncertain about its resolution. Mullin later recalibrated his earlier statements, indicating that bipartisan discussions were ongoing but complicated by conflicting demands from different factions within Congress.
Republicans have acknowledged that the interim spending bill passed by the House in September is no longer viable. Even if the Senate were to align with the House, that legislation would only fund the government through November 21, potentially leading to another shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., emphasized the need for a longer temporary spending bill, suggesting a timeline extending through late January. “We’ve lost five weeks. So the November 21 deadline no longer makes a lot of sense,” he stated.
However, any new proposal will require bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., remained noncommittal when asked about potential Democratic support following a lengthy caucus meeting. “We had a very good caucus and we’re exploring all the options,” he replied.
Despite ongoing discussions, uncertainty looms over what might garner Democratic votes, particularly as Republicans appear steadfast in their positions. “It seems they’re pretty dug in and they’re okay, screwing people over on their healthcare,” remarked Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.
Past decisions by Schumer to collaborate with Republicans have left some House Democrats wary of future agreements. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., acknowledged this skepticism but reiterated a commitment to evaluate any bipartisan proposals in good faith.
As lawmakers grapple with the shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., noted the unexpected duration of the crisis, stating, “I don’t think any of us expected that it would drag on this long.”
On Thursday, Senate Republicans unveiled a new plan aimed at ending the shutdown, which would fund the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction projects, and the Department of Agriculture until September 30, 2026. A separate short-term spending bill would cover the rest of the government until late January.
However, the likelihood of Democratic cooperation remains uncertain. Johnson expressed concern, saying, “I’m less optimistic this morning than I was yesterday,” indicating that Schumer may have instructed Democrats to hold firm against the proposal.
Progressives within the Democratic Party are urging Schumer to maintain a strong stance, especially after previous compromises that did not yield favorable outcomes. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., emphasized the need for a win, stating, “He’s got to keep doing it, and we’ve got to deliver a win because we can’t have what happened in the spring happen again.”
Democrats are also pushing for guarantees related to healthcare subsidies, a key demand as they seek to offset rising costs associated with the Affordable Care Act. With the House not voting since September 19, some members are resorting to creative tactics to draw attention to the shutdown’s impact.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Penn., interrupted a press conference by House Republican leadership to voice her concerns, while Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., set up a table outside the speaker’s office to discuss healthcare issues, highlighting the plight of air traffic controllers working without pay.
As aviation safety concerns mount, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., warned, “All it takes is one little accident. And if people die? So air travel is nothing to mess around with.”
Even if the Senate votes on a new proposal this week, many remain skeptical about an immediate resolution. Thune noted the challenges ahead, stating, “My hopes and expectations are always that we’re going to have enough Democrats to actually proceed. But I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., offered a more pessimistic outlook, predicting that the shutdown could last at least another week, if not longer. “We’re at least seven days and more likely ten and very possibly two weeks away from opening up at best,” he said.
As lawmakers continue to navigate this complex situation, the path to resolving the government shutdown remains fraught with challenges. While there are efforts underway to find a solution, the end of this saga is still not in sight.
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