The US Senate moved closer to a vote on reopening the federal government on Sunday, signaling a potential resolution to the shutdown that has now entered its 40th day. Senators plan to vote on a House-passed stopgap funding bill later today, with expectations that the measure will be amended to include a combination of short-term funding and three full-year appropriations bills.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that this amended package would need to pass the House of Representatives before being sent to President Donald Trump for approval, a process that could extend over several days. The ongoing shutdown has resulted in significant disruptions, affecting federal workers and services such as food assistance, national parks, and air travel.
Negotiations Intensify Amid Growing Pressure
Despite ongoing discussions, Senate Democrats have resisted efforts to advance funding measures, insisting on healthcare provisions that extend expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, expressed his opposition to the current funding measure, stating, “I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time, on some undefined measure that extends the health care tax credits.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that there might be sufficient Democratic support to pass the legislation.
The 40-day mark of the shutdown has brought increased urgency to the Senate’s negotiations. The situation has already led to air traffic control staffing shortages, raising concerns about travel disruptions during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday on November 27, 2023. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, noted the mounting effects of the shutdown, suggesting that the chamber is moving toward a consensus.
Economic Concerns and Future Implications
Should the shutdown persist, there are concerns that economic growth could become negative in the fourth quarter, particularly if air travel does not stabilize before Thanksgiving. Kevin Hassett, a White House economic adviser, warned of the potential impact on the economy during a recent appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
As discussions continue, the Senate aims to finalize a new resolution that would fund government operations through late January. This resolution would also address some of the mass layoffs initiated by the Trump administration. The Senate’s efforts this weekend reflect a critical moment in the ongoing negotiations, as lawmakers work to restore normalcy for federal employees and the services they provide.
