US Senate Rejects Funding Package for 14th Time as Shutdown Enters Record-Breaking Territory
The US federal government shutdown entered its record-breaking 35th day on Tuesday after the Senate rejected a funding package for the 14th time, dealing a fresh blow to millions of Americans whose services are being disrupted. The impasse is set to exceed the 35-day closure that occurred during Donald Trump's first presidency in 2018 if the shutdown continues past midnight tonight.
The Trump administration has been under pressure from Democrats and Republicans alike to end the standoff, with emergency funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) providing temporary relief. However, President Trump has vowed to hold SNAP hostage until Democrats agree to fund the government, sparking concerns about the program's future.
The Republican-controlled Senate is unable to pass the bill without a supermajority of 60 votes due to the filibuster, which Trump has urged Republicans to scrap. The president's latest threat over SNAP seems to be a sign of growing edginess over a shutdown that he has sought to blame on Democrats but which polls indicate a majority of the public believe is the responsibility of the Republicans and his administration.
Despite the turmoil, behind-the-scenes talks are underway between Republican and Democratic senators to reach an emerging deal. The terms of the agreement include reopening the government, putting the normal federal funding process back on track, and devising a resolution to the crisis of expiring health insurance subsidies that are spiking premium costs across the country.
Labour unions have stepped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for lowering healthcare costs as "common sense." The White House is demanding that Democrats vote to fund the government before talks over healthcare can begin, with officials in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats.
The loss of federal subsidies is expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance, and Republicans are reluctant to fund the healthcare program. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised Democrats a vote on their preferred proposal as part of any deal to reopen government.
The US federal government shutdown entered its record-breaking 35th day on Tuesday after the Senate rejected a funding package for the 14th time, dealing a fresh blow to millions of Americans whose services are being disrupted. The impasse is set to exceed the 35-day closure that occurred during Donald Trump's first presidency in 2018 if the shutdown continues past midnight tonight.
The Trump administration has been under pressure from Democrats and Republicans alike to end the standoff, with emergency funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) providing temporary relief. However, President Trump has vowed to hold SNAP hostage until Democrats agree to fund the government, sparking concerns about the program's future.
The Republican-controlled Senate is unable to pass the bill without a supermajority of 60 votes due to the filibuster, which Trump has urged Republicans to scrap. The president's latest threat over SNAP seems to be a sign of growing edginess over a shutdown that he has sought to blame on Democrats but which polls indicate a majority of the public believe is the responsibility of the Republicans and his administration.
Despite the turmoil, behind-the-scenes talks are underway between Republican and Democratic senators to reach an emerging deal. The terms of the agreement include reopening the government, putting the normal federal funding process back on track, and devising a resolution to the crisis of expiring health insurance subsidies that are spiking premium costs across the country.
Labour unions have stepped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for lowering healthcare costs as "common sense." The White House is demanding that Democrats vote to fund the government before talks over healthcare can begin, with officials in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats.
The loss of federal subsidies is expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance, and Republicans are reluctant to fund the healthcare program. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised Democrats a vote on their preferred proposal as part of any deal to reopen government.
this shutdown thing is getting outta hand... I mean, come on Senate can't even agree on funding for the govt? It's like they're playing some kinda sick game with people's lives... like SNAP and healthcare services being at risk all because of politics. And what's up with Trump holding those programs hostage? 
like he thinks he's some kinda superhero who can just make demands and get away with it. Meanwhile, millions are suffering and no one seems to be getting anything done. Can't they just put the politics aside for once and figure out how to work together? 
It's crazy how one person can single-handedly hold an entire country hostage with their tweets... I mean, threats over SNAP 
. On the bright side, I hope those behind-the-scenes talks lead to some sanity restored in D.C... or maybe not 
. The fact that we're entering record-breaking territory with no end in sight is just unacceptable. It's like watching a ticking time bomb, and I fear for the vulnerable populations who are being hurt the most – low-income families relying on SNAP, those struggling to afford healthcare due to expiring subsidies... it's all so frustrating 
. Can't our leaders put aside their differences and work together for once? The American people deserve better than this kind of gridlock 
. And what's with Trump's latest move, threatening to hold vital programs hostage? It's just more fuel to the fire 
. I hope behind-the-scenes talks are yielding some progress soon... we need a resolution ASAP 
️.
I mean 35 days already? like what's going on? 
is just ridiculous. I feel bad for all the people who are struggling because of this shutdown, especially those who rely on SNAP for food. It's not fair to them 
oh man this shutdown thingy is getting crazy lol like what even is going on rn 
i feel bad for all the people affected by it, like food banks are running out of food 
can't we just fund the government already? 
. I get it, both parties want something, but there has to be a way to compromise without putting people's lives at risk.
. It's not like we haven't seen this drama play out before, and yet they still can't seem to agree 
. And what's with the White House wanting Democrats to vote first before talks can begin? That's just a cop-out 
. We need our government back up and running, and fast 
!
?! SNAP emergency funding sounds like a lifeline but why keep holding it hostage? 
Trump said he'd back down if Dems agreed to fund the gov, but now we gotta believe he'll follow through? 
. How come Senate and House can't agree on this? It feels like there's a huge middle ground that nobody's touching 
- always getting stuck 
and unable to pass that funding package 
. It's time for them to get their act together 
, but holding them hostage like that is not cool 
. The White House needs to chill out and talk to Democrats 
! Let's get that done ASAP 
It's like they're playing politics with people's lives 
. The Republicans need to stop blaming Democrats and take responsibility themselves 
.
! We need some stability in Washington 
. I mean, I get it, politics are tough, but millions of Americans are being affected and no one seems to be taking responsibility for the mess. And SNAP, come on, that's just basic human decency 
. i mean, who tries to hold someone else's program hostage? 
. Can't we just figure something out already? 
. Like, millions of Americans are struggling because of these shutdowns and funding issues. And it's not just about the politicians; it's about the everyday folks who need access to healthcare, food, and all that good stuff 
.