By Bradley Shahenza
Washington — The U.S. government shutdown has entered its second week after the Senate failed for the fourth time to approve spending proposals aimed at reopening federal operations.
On Friday, both Republican and Democratic plans fell short of the 60-vote threshold needed to advance. A Republican-led proposal secured 54 votes in favor and 44 against, while a Democrat-led plan saw 45 in favor and 52 opposed. With both sides entrenched, the White House warned of looming mass layoffs to preserve essential services. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the measure as “fiscal sanity,” though she offered no details on which agencies would be affected.
Healthcare remains the central sticking point. Democrats are pushing to extend health insurance subsidies for low-income Americans and reverse cuts to Medicaid, while Republicans accuse them of using the shutdown to secure benefits for undocumented immigrants — a charge Democrats have denied. “We know Americans want this,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, insisting that many Republicans privately support expanding healthcare coverage.
President Donald Trump has added to tensions, saying he would meet with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director Russell Vought to examine “which of the many Democrat agencies” to cut. On Friday, Vought announced the suspension of $2.1 billion in federal infrastructure funding for Chicago, adding to earlier freezes of $18 billion for New York City and $8 billion for energy projects in Democratic-led states.
The economic toll is already mounting. The White House estimates the shutdown could shave $15 billion off U.S. GDP each week as federal workers face furloughs and services stall. Polls show Americans divided: 47% blame Republicans, 30% Democrats, and 23% remain unsure.
With no breakthrough in sight, lawmakers warn the shutdown could drag on unless party leaders strike a compromise.
Source BBC News
