The Senate wrapped up business and went home, ensuring the shutdown will stretch into a fourth week.
One reason for the shift is that Congress has been sidelined from any effort to deal with the fallout as the Trump administration takes the lead.
“What’s so simple at the heart of this is should people who have health care in 2025 that’s helped by the tax credits have access to that health care in 2026?”
Thune says he has offered Democrats a vote on a proposal to address health care subsidies, but he cannot guarantee an outcome.
Referring to Senate Democrats, Thune said, “these are not people who want to get things done.
There may no longer be a sense of urgency on Capitol Hill for a solution to the impasse, at least for the time being, as the Trump administration has partially mitigated the worst effects of the government shutdown and a federal court decision has halted the layoffs of thousands of federal employees.
Congress passed legislation to pay military salaries during previous shutdowns, but the media’s coverage of closed national parks and agencies that were unable to continue operations heightened tensions between the two parties.
This shutdown has a different dynamic. The House hasn’t voted in weeks, and top congressional leaders continue to hold opposing press conferences every day without engaging in meaningful negotiations. Congressman Mike Johnson, R-La. says he does not intend for the chamber to reconvene until Senate Democrats cease opposing a House-passed stopgap bill that would provide funding for federal agencies through November 21.
Following Thursday’s failure of the 10th Senate vote to fund the government, Sen. D-Vt. Peter Welch claimed that attempts to halt the shutdown were “nowhere.”. The shutdown will continue into a fourth week after the Senate concluded its business and left for the day.
One factor contributing to the change is that, as the Trump administration takes the initiative, Congress has been excluded from any attempts to address the fallout.
A social media post on Tuesday stated that the White House Office of Management and Budget was “making every preparation to batten down the hatches and ride out the Democrats’ intransigence.”. “,”.
A number of strategies have been used by the administration. To cover the Oct., the Pentagon reallocated funds. 15 service members’ paychecks. $300 million in tariff revenue was used by the administration to maintain a nutrition program for low-income women and children. Additionally, it announced on Thursday that it would guarantee payment to 70,000 law enforcement personnel at TSA and ICE, among other DHS agencies, “for all hours worked during the shutdown period.”. “,”.
A request for comments regarding potential additional layoffs and plans to cover the pay of law enforcement and other federal employees was not answered by OMB. Although no specifics have been made public, President Trump has stated that “Democrat programs” will be discontinued and subject to permanent layoffs or closures.
forecasting difficult times to come.
In general, Democrats contend that the administration’s actions are unlawful and that bills to pay for military salaries and assistance for low-income women and children have bipartisan support.
Additionally, Democrats argue that the administration’s actions are extending the standoff by eliminating the pressure points that previously compelled the parties to engage in negotiations, even though they may have lessened the pain of the shutdown for specific programs and agencies.
Welch stated that while the strategy “may or may not take some pressure off,” it is not sustainable.
Minnesota Republican House GOP Whip Tom Emmer earlier this week. expressed gratitude to the president for making sure soldiers received their most recent paycheck. He cautioned, however, that wider effects “are just getting started.”.
“The list is endless,” Emmer said, adding that airports will be overrun with flight cancellations and delays during the busiest travel season of the year.
To force a discussion about expiring health care subsidies, Democrats are using their one remaining minority advantage: preventing the GOP from obtaining enough votes to move the stopgap funding bill that was approved by the House. The public’s growing awareness that large premium increases are imminent if Congress does nothing, they say, may push the GOP to the bargaining table.
Rep. Virginia’s James Walkinshaw, D. is among those who think the GOP may soon face increased pressure. A suburban area outside of Washington that is home to many federal employees is represented by Walkinshaw.
He claims that there is currently no legal framework in place to compensate air traffic controllers or to address the unstable markets that farmers face as a result of President Trump’s tariff policies.
The administration finds it more difficult to try to play whack-a-mole and lessen the effects each day that the shutdown lasts. “.”.
November 1st may be a crucial day.
Open enrollment for those obtaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act begins on November 1. The cost of coverage without federal subsidies will be outlined in notices sent by the majority of states, and lawmakers from both parties freely acknowledge that the shutdown may last for weeks. Democrats think it might serve as a tool to influence events on Capitol Hill.
“What’s so simple at the heart of this is should people who have health care in 2025 that’s helped by the tax credits have access to that health care in 2026?” Welch stated to reporters. He stated that notices began to be sent out in Vermont on October 15 and that some families would be subject to increases of $25,000.
According to Welch, “this is all about all our families, it’s not a red state, blue state deal, or who you voted for.”.
John Thune, R-S, Senate Majority Leader. D. stated that while he is open to meeting with Democrats, he has emphasized that any agreement on health care “occurs after they open up the government.”. Though he says he cannot promise a result, Thune claims he has given Democrats a chance to vote on a plan to address health care subsidies.
Thune said, “These are not people who want to get things done,” referring to Senate Democrats. He told reporters, “These are people who want to fight Trump and appease all the people who are coming into town this weekend.” He was alluding to a “No Kings” rally organized by progressive activist groups that protest the policies of the Trump administration.
Democrats believe that the only person who can alter the current situation is Trump. Many point out that he loves a “deal” and that voters in red states who supported him depend more on the tax credits than do voters in blue states.
Sen said, “This can be resolved in a day or two once he gets engaged.”. Tim Kaine, D-Va. told reporters Thursday.
