A long weekend away from Washington did little to resolve the federal government shutdown, as Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a Republican-backed effort to reopen the government for the eighth time. The deadlock persists despite growing pressure from the Trump administration, which has warned of potential mass federal employee firings if the shutdown continues. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and fellow Democrats remain committed to protecting funding for programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while Republicans insist on enacting broad spending reforms.
President Trump sought to calm some concerns by directing the Pentagon to reallocate funds to ensure military service members receive their paychecks on time. However, another looming payday for Senate staffers remains unfunded. As negotiations stall, Democrats are demanding an extension of ACA subsidies ahead of the November 1 open enrollment period, arguing that millions of Americans could face steep premium hikes without swift congressional action.
Trump has shown no indication of yielding to Democratic demands. He accused them of trying to reverse $1.5 trillion in spending cuts made under what he has called a “big, beautiful bill.” The White House also condemned Democrats for seeking to restore funding to NPR and PBS while proposing increased spending on programs that support undocumented immigrants.
Trump specifically targeted Schumer, calling him a “failed politician” and claiming he has surrendered to the radical wing of the Democratic Party. The president reiterated that it is Democrats, not Republicans, who are holding up efforts to reopen the government.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues to bring the same House-passed continuing resolution to the Senate floor. Republicans argue that health care issues should be addressed after the government is reopened. While most Democrats have remained united in opposition, a few — including Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Angus King — have voted for the measure. Sen. John Fetterman, who previously supported the bill, did not vote Tuesday.
