Senate Stalemate Continues as Government Shutdown Persists into Next Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate remains gridlocked as a government shutdown stretches into the weekend, following the failed attempt to advance a funding bill for the tenth time. Lawmakers are set to leave Washington for another long weekend, effectively ensuring the impasse will continue into next week.

On Thursday, the Senate voted 51-45 against a House-passed measure to fund the government until November 21. The absence of bipartisan support means Republicans need to secure additional votes from Democrats to move forward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reiterated his party’s refusal to negotiate in public, stating they would not engage further until the government is reopened.

“The bottom line is Republicans won’t even negotiate with us,” Schumer said. “We need to address the crisis that is afflicting the American people.” Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., criticized the Democrats for delaying negotiations, stating, “Every day this goes on, the problems are compounded for federal workers and ordinary Americans.”

As the shutdown enters its 16th day, discussions on health care subsidies remain contentious. While Thune has offered to bring a proposal for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies to the floor, Democrats demand concrete commitments before they consider reopening the government.

“We don’t accept IOUs. That’s not the business that I’m in,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressing skepticism about Thune’s assurances. The urgency to resolve the deadlock has intensified as impacts from the shutdown are felt across the public sector, with federal employees facing delayed paychecks.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that law enforcement officers would receive a paycheck if they worked during the shutdown, which includes TSA workers and Border Patrol agents. However, many federal employees remain uncertain when their next paycheck will arrive.

The Senate is expected to reconvene on Monday, October 20, and Thune expressed hope for progress, stating, “We want to keep the regular order appropriations process going.” However, both sides remain entrenched in their positions as the situation unfolds.