Government Shutdown Deepens Amid Political Turmoil Following Elections

WASHINGTON (AP) — This week’s elections have energized Democrats and angered President Donald Trump, casting a shadow over efforts to end the government shutdown that has reached a historic 37 days. The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has created uncertainty around negotiations for a resolution.

The Senate is scheduled to convene at 10 a.m. EST, as Trump pressures Republican senators to find a way to end the impasse. He described the shutdown as a “big factor, negative” affecting his party’s recent election performances. Democrats interpret Trump’s remarks as a signal to remain firm in negotiations, particularly on extending health care subsidies, which have become a key point of contention.

Trump has refrained from meeting with Democratic leaders, insisting that they must agree to reopen the government first. However, he is pushing Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, a move that many GOP senators oppose. In a video released Wednesday evening, Trump called for terminating the Senate’s 60-vote requirement to pass legislation, stating that “this is much bigger than the shutdown. This is the survival of our country.”

Senate Democrats are also facing pressure from unions that want an end to the shutdown, alongside allied groups urging them to hold steady. They see the recent Democratic gubernatorial wins in Virginia and New Jersey as a validation of their strategy to maintain the shutdown until health care subsidies are addressed.

“It would be very strange for the American people to see us surrender without achieving what we’ve been fighting for,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

While negotiations are ongoing, the impact of the shutdown is worsening. The Federal Aviation Administration announced a 10% reduction in air traffic in 40 high-volume markets starting Friday due to staffing shortages caused by the shutdown. Millions have already felt the strain from halted federal programs and delayed paychecks, with more disruptions likely as paydays approach.

Grassroots Democratic organizations are promoting the election results as a sign of support for their stance in the negotiations. “Moderate Senate Democrats looking for a quick solution are missing an important message,” said Katie Bethell, political director of MoveOn. “Voters want leaders who fight for us.”

Some Senate Democrats, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, have emphasized the need for Democrats to stay strong and secure assurances for extending health care subsidies. “We have to secure a commitment that the speaker of the House and the president will support the legislation,” Sanders stated.

Despite this, there are signs of potential agreement among some senators who are attempting to bridge the divide. “I still feel I want to get out of the shutdown,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., indicating a willingness to look for bipartisan solutions.

The Republican side shares concerns that the shutdown could harm their electoral prospects. “Polls show that most voters blame Republicans more than Democrats,” said Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. “That’s understandable given who controls the levers of power.”

The shutdown, which began under different circumstances, has reached an impasse with negotiations stalling as Congress is unable to reach an agreement. Finance for critical programs such as food aid and childcare is in jeopardy, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay.

As both sides continue to negotiate, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has indicated that there is still no majority support within the Senate for changing the filibuster rules despite Trump’s calls. The situation shows no signs of resolution as the shutdown impacts Americans across the country.

“We must get the government back open soon,” Trump urged Wednesday, reiterating the need for a quick resolution. His administration has previously struggled through similar situations, yet this time, the stakes appear higher as partisan tensions rise.