Senate Democrats Block GOP Plan To End Shutdown for 10th Time
The ongoing federal government shutdown entered its third week after Senate Democrats once again blocked a short-term spending measure passed by the Republican-controlled House. Thursday’s vote marked the tenth time Democrats have rejected the GOP’s proposed continuing resolution (CR), extending the shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without pay and disrupted numerous government services.
The Senate adjourned for an extended weekend following three days in session, ensuring that the shutdown will stretch into next week. Lawmakers from both parties remain firmly entrenched in their positions, with little progress toward a compromise. Informal discussions that had begun early in the week have largely stalled as frustrations deepen.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota reaffirmed his intention to continue bringing the House-approved CR to the floor for additional votes. The proposal would temporarily reopen the government and fund operations through November 21. Some Republicans have floated the idea of adjusting the expiration date to attract bipartisan support, but any change would require the House—currently in recess—to reconvene and approve a revised measure.
Thune criticized Democrats for holding up the bill, warning that the continued shutdown was harming federal employees, members of the military, and essential workers such as air traffic controllers and border officials. “Every day that this goes on, the problems are compounded for federal workers and for ordinary Americans,” he said, adding that political maneuvering was only worsening the situation.