Senate Democrats have just blocked Republicans’ latest effort to reopen the federal government, marking the 14th time they’ve rejected a GOP-led proposal and ensuring the shutdown becomes the longest in U.S. history.
The Tuesday move came as the shutdown tied the 35-day record set in 2019, guaranteeing it would surpass that milestone later in the evening.
The Democrat caucus, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), continues to demand a deal on expiring Obamacare subsidies before agreeing to reopen the government.
Democrats Hold Firm on Obamacare Subsidies
During a speech on the Senate floor, Schumer blamed Republicans and President Donald Trump for rising healthcare costs reported by Americans over the weekend.
“The only plan Republicans have for healthcare seems to be to eliminate it, and then to tell working people to go figure it out on their own,” Schumer said.
“That’s not a healthcare plan. That’s cruel.”
Despite Schumer’s rhetoric, signs of division have begun to emerge within his caucus.
Nearly a dozen Senate Democrats met privately Monday to discuss potential off-ramps to end the standoff.
GOP Leaders Push for a Deal
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed cautious optimism that the shutdown could end soon, but said he wasn’t confident it would happen this week.
“I hope close,” Thune said when asked if lawmakers were nearing an agreement.
He emphasized that Republicans have offered Democrats multiple options, including a guaranteed vote on healthcare subsidies after the government reopens.
“The pressures, the cross pressures that everybody’s feeling, are great,” Thune said.
“But I think there are people who realize this has gone on long enough and that there’s been enough pain inflicted on the American people, and it’s time to end it.”
Lawmakers Weigh Short-Term Extensions
The current continuing resolution (CR), which funds the government through November 21, leaves little time to complete spending bills.
Lawmakers are now discussing a possible extension, either by amending the existing CR or introducing a new one, to avoid another shutdown just weeks later.
Some senators favor extending funding through December or January, while others are exploring a “minibus” approach to combine several smaller appropriations bills.
Parallel discussions continue on how to handle the Obamacare subsidies, but no final agreement has been reached.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), who has been involved in bipartisan negotiations, said he’s hopeful but uncertain about the timeline.
“I don’t know, I hope so,” Rounds said.
“Bottom line is they can stop all this with one vote and get back into it and get back to work on a bipartisan basis.
“Again, that’s what we’re hoping.”
Murkowski Proposes Two-Year Subsidy Extension
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has proposed extending the subsidies for two years, citing the difficulty of reforming the program mid-cycle after insurers have already released rates for the open enrollment period.
“Really, really hard to do any reforms right now,” she said, adding that her plan was one of several under consideration.
Murkowski said discussions include adjusting the income cap, which was removed under former President Joe Biden, and revising low-cost premium contributions.
“There’s no highly brand-new thing that anybody’s really talking about,” she said.
“It’s just what’s the right concoction?”
Democrats Demand Direct Talks with Trump
Some Democrats are frustrated that President Trump has not yet participated in direct negotiations.
Trump has said he will meet with Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) only after the government reopens.
Over the weekend, he also urged Senate Republicans to abolish the 60-vote filibuster threshold, a move considered politically unrealistic.
Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) criticized Trump’s approach.
“At no point since Oct. 1 has Donald Trump agreed to sit down with Democratic leaders,” Kim said.
“So, he can talk all he wants about the filibuster, but until he actually puts some skin in the game and sits down and talks to us, like, that is all meaningless to me.
“And I honestly, like, don’t care about him pontificating this stuff on social media.
“Like, if he’s got time to tweet, he’s got time to just come and talk to us.”
The stalemate leaves federal workers and agencies in limbo as both parties continue to seek a political exit strategy, one that addresses healthcare subsidies without prolonging what has now become the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
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