WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans. Federal program cuts, flight delays, and thousands of federal workers nationwide left without paychecks are among the widespread effects.
President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. However, skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid despite court orders to ensure funds remain available to prevent hunger.
Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, is set to meet early Wednesday for breakfast with GOP senators. No talks have been scheduled with Democrats.
“Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: health care premiums,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in a late evening speech. “Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” she urged.
With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations were high that the deadlock would break once election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races, which were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump’s second term.
Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the New York City mayoral race — outcomes certain to shake up political assessments.
But earlier in the afternoon, Senate Democrats left an hours-long private meeting stone-faced, with no clear path forward. “We’re exploring all the options,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said afterward.
**Trump Sets Another Government Shutdown Record**
Trump’s approach to this shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term, when the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for funds to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders but ultimately relented in 2019 after failing to secure the funds.
This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. Congressional leaders are at a standoff, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations.
Meanwhile, food aid, childcare funds, and countless other government services are being seriously interrupted. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or are expected to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that chaos could ensue in the skies next week if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck.
Labor unions have increased pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., called this not only the longest shutdown but also “the most severe shutdown on record.”
Thune urged Democrats to accept his proposals to vote on the health care issue and continue negotiating a solution once the government reopens, arguing that no one wins politically from the standoff. “Shutdowns are stupid,” Thune said.
**Senators Search for a Potential Deal**
Central to any resolution will be a series of agreements that need to be upheld not only by the Senate but also the House and the White House — a prospect that remains uncertain in Washington.
Senators from both parties, particularly powerful members of the Appropriations Committee, are pushing to restore the normal government funding process in Congress. Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., along with Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware, are working behind the scenes.
“The pace of talks has increased,” said Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., who has been involved in the conversations.
Among the goals is ensuring upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills where there is already widespread bipartisan agreement to fund various government aspects, such as agricultural programs and military construction projects.
“I certainly think that three-bill package is primed to do a lot of good things for the American people,” said Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has also been in discussions.
**Health Care Costs Skyrocket for Millions**
More difficult is resolving the standoff over funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being sent, millions of Americans are experiencing sticker shock over skyrocketing prices.
The loss of enhanced federal subsidies — provided during the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of tax credits — is expected to leave many people unable to afford health insurance.
Republicans are reluctant to fund the health care program, also known as Obamacare, without reforms. Negotiating a compromise with Democrats is expected to take time, if a deal can be reached at all.
Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their preferred health care proposal, on a date certain, as part of any deal to reopen the government. But that offer is not enough for some senators, who see the health care deadlock as part of broader concerns with Trump’s direction for the country.
The White House maintains its position that Democrats must vote to fund the government before any talks over health care can begin. White House officials are in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats, according to a senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
**Trump’s Demands to End the Filibuster Fall Flat**
The president has pushed senators to eliminate the filibuster — the Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation — as a way to reopen the government. GOP senators have publicly rejected Trump’s demands to end the filibuster, marking a rare break with the president.
Thune and others argue that while the filibuster can be frustrating, it ensures the minority party can check the administration, which is important when power shifts in Washington.
Currently, Republicans hold a slim Senate majority, 53-47. Democrats have blocked the House-passed funding bill more than a dozen times by voting against it.
Trump has said that abolishing the filibuster would allow Republicans to bypass the Democrats and end the shutdown on their own. Republican senators are trying to avoid that outcome.
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The government shutdown drags on, with millions affected and political tensions running high. As talks continue behind closed doors, the hope remains that a resolution can soon be reached to end the impasse and restore normal government operations.
https://ktar.com/national-news/government-shutdown-record-broken/5770701/