Senate Democrats once again blocked Republican efforts to reopen the federal government on Wednesday.
It marks the sixth time in just over a week that they have voted down a GOP-backed stopgap bill.
The standoff has turned into a Capitol Hill version of “Groundhog Day,” with the same continuing resolution (CR) repeatedly brought to the floor and repeatedly rejected.
While bipartisan discussions continue informally, negotiations have not yet advanced to serious talks.
On Tuesday evening, a bipartisan group of senators reportedly met over Thai food in Washington to discuss the shutdown and explore paths forward.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), who participated in the meeting, said the GOP’s focus remains squarely on reopening the government.
Mullin noted that the GOP is hoping to avoid a repeat shutdown when funding runs out in late November.
“We’re not working on a solution to reopen the government,” Mullin told reporters.
“We’re not negotiating.
“We have a clean CR; they’ve got to accept.
“Our whole goal is: how do we avoid, if we do reopen it, how do we avoid shutdown?”
Republicans’ CR would keep the government running until November 21, while also addressing overlooked budget issues, adding resources for congressional security, and cleaning up Washington, D.C.’s funding shortfall.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said Republicans will continue pressing the same measure until fractures appear in the Democrat caucus.
So far, only three Democrats have broken ranks: Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME).
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have instead demanded permanent Obamacare subsidies, restrictions on President Donald Trump’s ability to rescind funds, and restoration of taxpayer support for outlets such as NPR and PBS.
“Nothing’s changed,” Thune said.
“We all understand what they want to do, and we’re not averse to having that conversation.
“At some point, they have to take ‘yes’ for an answer.”
The subsidies at the heart of the dispute do not expire until the end of the year, but Democrats argue the approaching open enrollment date in November makes the issue urgent.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) was blunt about leveraging the shutdown for broader concessions, saying Democrats would be “suckers” to support a budget without blocking Trump’s authority to cancel spending or claw back funds.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has kept pressure on Democrats.
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought has already withheld nearly $30 billion in infrastructure funding for blue states and cities and issued memos ordering agency layoffs and hinting that furloughed workers may not receive back pay.
That suggestion appears to contradict a law signed by Trump himself in 2019, guaranteeing back pay after shutdowns.
Still, Trump indicated Tuesday he may consider tougher measures if Democrats continue to stonewall.
“I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days,” Trump told reporters.
“If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.
“But you’re going to have a lot closer to a balanced budget.”
Despite the pressure, Democrats appear committed to prolonging the shutdown until Republicans cave on their demands.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.