US Senate Reaches Impasse on Funding Package as Shutdown Enters Record-Long 35th Day
For the 14th time, the US Senate has rejected a funding package to end the federal government shutdown, which is now poised to enter record-breaking territory. The current impasse marks the 35th day of the partial closure, with lawmakers from both parties scrambling to find a solution as services like food stamps and healthcare programs hang in the balance.
President Trump has threatened to hold the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hostage until Democrats agree to fund the government, further fueling tensions between the administration and Congress. The president's social media post on Tuesday, which stated that SNAP benefits would only be given when "Radical Left Democrats open up government," has been widely criticized as a desperate attempt to shift blame for the impasse.
Despite the Republican-controlled Senate having a 53-47 majority, Democrats can block the bill's passage due to the filibuster, which requires 60 senators to pass legislation. Trump has urged Republicans to scrap the filibuster, but it remains unclear whether this will happen.
Behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway, with centrist dealmakers from both parties working to find a solution that would reopen the government, put federal funding back on track, and address expiring health insurance subsidies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has called for an end to the standoff, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pushed for agreements that would lower healthcare costs.
Labour unions have stepped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government, with many sensing that the prolonged shutdown is having a profound impact on millions of Americans who rely on these programs. With the House speaker having sent lawmakers home in September, most attention now lies with the Senate, where party leaders have outsourced negotiations to a small group of centrist dealmakers.
Central to any solution will be agreements that would need to be upheld by all three branches of government: the Senate, the House, and the White House. While senators from both parties are pushing for the normal government funding process to resume, the White House is demanding that Democrats vote on a funding package before talks over healthcare can begin.
The impasse has sparked concerns about the impact of the shutdown on federal programs and services, with many fearing that expiring health insurance subsidies will leave millions without access to affordable care. With time running out, lawmakers are racing against the clock to find a solution that will end the shutdown and restore normalcy to the country's capital.
For the 14th time, the US Senate has rejected a funding package to end the federal government shutdown, which is now poised to enter record-breaking territory. The current impasse marks the 35th day of the partial closure, with lawmakers from both parties scrambling to find a solution as services like food stamps and healthcare programs hang in the balance.
President Trump has threatened to hold the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hostage until Democrats agree to fund the government, further fueling tensions between the administration and Congress. The president's social media post on Tuesday, which stated that SNAP benefits would only be given when "Radical Left Democrats open up government," has been widely criticized as a desperate attempt to shift blame for the impasse.
Despite the Republican-controlled Senate having a 53-47 majority, Democrats can block the bill's passage due to the filibuster, which requires 60 senators to pass legislation. Trump has urged Republicans to scrap the filibuster, but it remains unclear whether this will happen.
Behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway, with centrist dealmakers from both parties working to find a solution that would reopen the government, put federal funding back on track, and address expiring health insurance subsidies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has called for an end to the standoff, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pushed for agreements that would lower healthcare costs.
Labour unions have stepped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government, with many sensing that the prolonged shutdown is having a profound impact on millions of Americans who rely on these programs. With the House speaker having sent lawmakers home in September, most attention now lies with the Senate, where party leaders have outsourced negotiations to a small group of centrist dealmakers.
Central to any solution will be agreements that would need to be upheld by all three branches of government: the Senate, the House, and the White House. While senators from both parties are pushing for the normal government funding process to resume, the White House is demanding that Democrats vote on a funding package before talks over healthcare can begin.
The impasse has sparked concerns about the impact of the shutdown on federal programs and services, with many fearing that expiring health insurance subsidies will leave millions without access to affordable care. With time running out, lawmakers are racing against the clock to find a solution that will end the shutdown and restore normalcy to the country's capital.
The US Senate is being super stubborn about this government shutdown 
... Like, 14 times they've rejected a funding package already! And it's going on for DAYS now 
. President Trump thinks he can just threaten to hold SNAP benefits hostage? Give me a break 
. It's not like Democrats haven't offered compromises before 
. Labour unions are getting anxious, and I'm just worried about all the people who rely on these programs 
. This shutdown is going to be a disaster for healthcare 
... Can't they just work together? 
I'm worried about the people who rely on those programs like food stamps and healthcare services. They're already struggling to make ends meet, now they're going without because of politics 
. The president's post was super condescending, it feels like he's trying to make everyone else look bad for not agreeing with him 
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. The Senate is supposed to be the checks and balances part of government, but they're letting politics get in the way of doing what's right 
. Labour unions are right to put pressure on them to reopen the government ASAP 
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it's like, come on guys, get together and fund the gov'nt so we can all have access to some basic human necessities 
it's not even a subtle move...
and now Labour unions are stepping up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government, finally someone's speaking out against this senseless shutdown... but it's not like they're going to magically fix everything overnight, there needs to be a middle ground that works for everyone 
I'm kinda glad this impasse is dragging on. Think about it, we're forced to watch both parties get their priorities straight... or at least, appear to be doing so 
It's just ridiculous. I do hope these centrist dealmakers can bring some sanity back to the table, but let's not forget that in all this backroom negotiating, nobody really knows what they're doing 
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. It's like they're trying to recreate that scene from Hunger Games where Katniss has to fight for her family's survival, but instead of a arena, it's Congress! 
. I mean, come on, 35 days into a shutdown? That's just ridiculous! 
. It's like Schumer is trying to make a point 
. We need to see some leadership from our reps on this one 
. Just figure out a way to work together and get things done already! 
. Democrats r tryna hold out 4 better deals, but Trump's all like " Scrap the filibuster or else" 
... food stamps can't be taken away from families that just need a little bit of support.
We need some leaders who can put aside their differences and work towards a solution that benefits everyone, not just their own party.