Senate Democrats have once again blocked Republicans’ latest attempt to reopen the federal government, rejecting the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) for the second week in a row.
It marks the 13th time that Democrats have blocked Republicans from ending the government shutdown, even as major funding deadlines draw dangerously close.
Democrats blocked the bill on Tuesday, the same day that Air Traffic Control workers missed their first paycheck.
The latest standoff, which unfolded on the 28th day of the shutdown, came as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) tried once again to bring the Republican bill to the floor.
However, the effort was stopped by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and his caucus.
The move leaves hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid.
Air traffic controllers missed their first paycheck on Tuesday, and U.S. troops are set to miss theirs by Friday.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps, is also set to lapse on Saturday, coinciding with the launch of Obamacare open enrollment.
Republicans Push for Targeted Relief Bills
Behind the scenes, GOP lawmakers have floated a series of targeted bills to cover essential workers, including the military, air traffic controllers, and federal employees who remain on duty during the shutdown.
But Thune poured cold water on the idea, signaling that piecemeal fixes were unlikely to reach the Senate floor.
“There’s not a high level of interest in doing carve-outs or so-called rifle shots,” Thune told reporters.
“Most people recognize the way to get out of this mess is to open up the government.”
Still, several Republicans pushed ahead with limited proposals.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), whose bill would fund air traffic controllers, said he hoped for a vote this week.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) also revived his proposal to pay active federal employees and the military with a bill that was blocked by Democrats last week, but could see another attempt.
Johnson said he and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were working on a compromise version but questioned whether Democrats were serious about reaching an agreement.
“I want to make this permanent,” Johnson said.
“Let’s stop, again, let’s take the ability to punish federal employees because of our dysfunction away forever.
“We’ll add furlough employees, and we’re not changing anything in terms of the president’s authority — that would be adjudicated in the court.
“So the question is, will they take ‘yes’ for an answer?”
Vice President JD Vance joined Republican senators for a closed-door lunch on Tuesday to discuss strategy and next steps.
Democrats Stand Firm, Demand Obamacare Concessions
Schumer defended the continued blockade and blamed President Donald Trump for being overseas during the standoff, claiming his absence was preventing “forward progress.”
The New York Democrat also criticized Thune for repeatedly bringing up the same bill.
He made clear that Democrats would not agree to any funding plan that didn’t include an extension of Obamacare subsidies.
“It’s a partisan bill and does nothing — most importantly, does nothing to solve the [Obamacare] crisis,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
“Just now, here on the floor, the Republican leaders seemed perplexed about what precisely it is that Democrats are pushing for.
“He knows damn well what Democrats want.
“It’s the very same thing that a vast majority of Americans want, including nearly 60% of MAGA voters.
“We want lower healthcare costs now.”
Republicans dismissed Schumer’s remarks as political posturing, pointing out that Democrats have refused to vote for any measure that would reopen the government without additional healthcare or spending guarantees.
Pressure Mounts as Shutdown Nears Critical Point
The shutdown, now in its fourth week, is beginning to hit critical operations across the country, from airport traffic control to military payroll.
Several Republican senators have warned that Democrats’ refusal to act could soon trigger a broader economic and security crisis if essential programs and services are forced to halt entirely.
“We’ve done our work,” Thune said earlier this week.
“The House passed the CR nearly a month ago.
“The Senate should follow suit.”
With the first military payday missed on Friday and SNAP benefits expiring over the weekend, both parties face mounting public pressure to end the stalemate.
Yet, neither appears ready to blink.
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