Additional Coverage:
Government Shutdown Reaches Unprecedented Length, Talks Continue
Washington D.C. – The U.S. government shutdown has officially made history, extending beyond the previous record set in 2019 and entering its 35th day. Despite ongoing negotiations and a palpable sense of urgency, a resolution remains elusive, though lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are hinting at a potential breakthrough this week.
Tuesday saw the Senate’s 14th attempt to advance a House-passed continuing resolution to end the funding lapse, failing once again with a 54-44 vote. No new Democrats crossed the aisle to support the measure.
However, a growing chorus of senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressed a belief that “there are people who realize this has gone on long enough” and that “it’s time to end it.” Some Republicans anticipate increased willingness from Democrats to vote on reopening the government following Tuesday’s elections.
Shutdown Surpasses Previous Record
The current shutdown has now surpassed the record previously held by the late 2018 and early 2019 funding lapse. That prior shutdown concluded on its 35th day when President Trump signed a bill extending government funding for three weeks. Given the shift from daylight saving to standard time, the current shutdown exceeded that comparable length one hour earlier, at 8:23 p.m.
Government shutdowns, in their modern form, are a relatively recent phenomenon, dating back to 1980 when legal opinions deemed it unlawful for agencies to spend without congressional authorization. This current impasse marks the 15th such shutdown since then.
White House Extends Invitation to Senate Republicans
President Trump has invited Senate Republicans to a breakfast meeting at the White House on Wednesday. The invitation, initially reported by Punchbowl News, comes as the President continues to advocate for abolishing the filibuster to streamline the legislative process.
Republican leaders have previously indicated that the necessary votes to change the 60-vote filibuster rule are not present. The last meeting between Republican senators and the President at the White House was a lunch on October 21.
House Freedom Caucus Proposes Long-Term Funding Solution
The conservative House Freedom Caucus has thrown its support behind a long-term continuing resolution (CR) that would maintain current funding levels through the 2026 midterm elections. This proposal would effectively punt the funding debate beyond the next election cycle, should lawmakers fail to pass individual appropriations bills that cut spending.
In a post on X, the caucus stated that a year-long CR would “block any further effort by Democrats and the Swamp to advance a budget-busting, pork-filled, lobbyist handout omnibus in November or December.”
Glimmers of a Deal Emerge as Senate Talks Progress
Discussions among senators on Tuesday revealed the potential framework of a deal to end the shutdown. The emerging agreement reportedly involves funding the government through a continuing resolution alongside long-term appropriations bills, in exchange for a vote on extending health insurance tax credits – a key demand from Democrats.
Republicans have suggested that Democrats are holding out until after Tuesday’s elections to avoid discouraging their base. However, Senator Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, expressed confidence that the shutdown would conclude this week, citing assurances from Democratic colleagues regarding their willingness to vote.
Bipartisan conversations are reportedly centered on advancing a “minibus” – a package of full-year appropriations bills – in addition to the continuing resolution. Proponents believe this approach would demonstrate Republicans’ commitment to a bipartisan, long-term funding process.
Schumer: “Exploring All Options”
Following a lengthy Democratic caucus meeting, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the party is “exploring all the options” regarding the path forward to end the shutdown.
Senate Democrats Remain Tight-Lipped After Extended Meeting
Senate Democrats concluded an unusually long lunch meeting, offering few concrete details about their discussions. Senators largely declined to speak with reporters, remaining guarded about the proceedings.
Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat, indicated that progress was being made but acknowledged “differences of opinion” on accepting the promise of a vote on extending healthcare tax credits in exchange for reopening the government.
Other senators offered brief, non-committal responses, such as “No updates. In progress” from Senator Tim Kaine, and “a good discussion” from Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
White House Clarifies SNAP Benefits Amid Trump’s Post
The White House has clarified that the Trump administration is complying with a federal court order to utilize a contingency fund to provide food benefits to millions of Americans. This clarification came after President Trump’s Truth Social post stated that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”
Administration lawyers had previously informed the court on Monday that they would tap into the contingency fund to issue reduced food stamp payments for November. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration is “fully complying” with the court’s order, but cautioned that “it’s going to take some time” for recipients to receive payments. She also emphasized the President’s reluctance to utilize emergency contingency funds for this purpose in the future.
Trump Advocates for Eliminating Filibuster
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated at a White House briefing that President Trump “feels really strongly” about eliminating the Senate’s filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation. This stance is at odds with most GOP senators, including Senator Thune. Leavitt underscored the President’s belief that “Republicans need to play tough and they need to play smart,” and that Democrats would abolish the filibuster if they regained power.
Airspace Closures Possible Next Week if Shutdown Persists
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation may be forced to close “certain parts of the airspace” if the government shutdown extends into next week.
Speaking in Philadelphia, Duffy cautioned of “mass flight delays, you’ll see mass cancellations,” and potential airspace closures due to a lack of air traffic controllers. He reiterated that airspace restrictions would be implemented if safety concerns arose.
House-Passed Funding Bill Fails in Senate Vote
The Senate’s procedural vote on the House-passed measure to fund the government until November 21 fell short of the 60 votes required, with a 54-44 outcome. The measure garnered no new support from Democrats, despite Republican optimism.
Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, along with Independent Senator Angus King (who caucuses with Democrats), supported the measure. Senator Rand Paul was the sole Republican to oppose it.
Senators Cory Booker and Thom Tillis did not vote.
Senate Begins 14th Vote on Funding Bill
The Senate convened to vote on advancing the House-passed continuing resolution. Republicans required five additional Democratic votes to move the bill forward.
Trump’s SNAP Post Sparks Confusion
President Trump’s Truth Social post, stating that SNAP benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government,” caused confusion. This came a day after the USDA informed a federal court it would use a contingency fund to pay 50% of November SNAP benefits.
The White House was asked for clarification on the post’s implications. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had previously issued guidance to states on administering partial benefits, warning of potential delays.
Thune on Bipartisan Talks: “This Has Gone on Long Enough”
Asked about the proximity of a bipartisan solution, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed hope, acknowledging the “cross-pressures that everybody’s feeling.” He emphasized that “there are people who realize this has gone on long enough and there’s been enough pain inflicted on the American people and it’s time to end it.”
Thune outlined Republicans’ willingness to compromise on appropriations, government funding, and Obamacare changes, hoping “they take yes for an answer.” He expressed optimism for progress this week, noting the need to extend the current deadline.
Johnson Favors January CR, Rules Out December
House Speaker Mike Johnson, at his daily press conference, stated his preference for extending the funding date in the House-passed continuing resolution until January, rather than December. He cited “PTSD about Christmas omnibus spending bills” as a reason to avoid a December deadline.
Johnson affirmed that the House would vote on any changes passed by the Senate, acknowledging the “running out of clock.” Conservatives generally favor a January deadline, while some GOP appropriators prefer December to pressure for full-year appropriations.
Johnson has consistently opposed large year-end funding bills.
Senate Convenes for Speeches Ahead of Vote
The Senate convened at 10 a.m. for speeches in anticipation of the 11:30 a.m. vote on advancing the continuing resolution.