CNN anchor Dana Bash challenged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries this week over the ongoing “Schumer Shutdown.” During the interview, Bash pressed Jeffries on whether there was room to negotiate with Republicans to reopen the government. Jeffries responded that Democrats remain open to “good faith discussions” but blamed Republicans for a lack of communication, accusing them of going “radio silent” since the shutdown began. He also claimed that former President Donald Trump was holding GOP members back from engaging meaningfully.

Bash pressed Jeffries further, noting that he was just steps away from Speaker Mike Johnson’s office and asked if he had tried reaching out to him. Jeffries said Speaker Johnson hadn’t been given permission to talk to him or Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, implying formal talks were blocked. He suggested that without a “green light” from Republicans for serious discussions, informal talks wouldn’t be productive.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats blocked efforts to reopen the government for the eighth time, maintaining their stance despite increasing pressure after warnings of mass federal layoffs from the Trump administration. The administration insists on spending reforms before reopening, while Democrats push to preserve key funding priorities.

One relief came when President Trump directed the Pentagon to ensure military service members receive paychecks on time, even amid the shutdown. However, other government employees, including Senate staffers, remain unpaid.

The standoff continues, with Democrats demanding extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies ahead of the November enrollment period, and Trump maintaining Republicans’ refusal to reverse $1.5 trillion in spending cuts from the “big, beautiful bill.”

WATCH: