Bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Senate to reopen the federal government showed new signs of strain on Tuesday, as lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration over stalled negotiations despite hints of progress behind closed doors.
The shutdown, now in its fifth week, is set to become the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday. Senators from both parties have been working on a short-term funding bill that would reopen the government and buy time to negotiate full-year appropriations.
But deep divisions remain over health care and spending priorities.
“We’re all being very careful to say that nothing is a done deal at this point, because it’s not,” said Republican Senator Mike Rounds, echoing the uncertainty surrounding the talks.
The Senate on Tuesday rejected funding legislation for the 14th time, as Democrats continued to demand an extension of expiring tax credits that help Americans afford private health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Republicans, meanwhile, insist that the government must first reopen before broader health policy negotiations can begin.
“I think there are people who realize this has gone on long enough, there’s been enough pain inflicted on the American people, and it’s time to end it,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, adding that he remained optimistic about finding an “off ramp.”
Senate Democrats and two independents who caucus with them spent hours in private meetings on Tuesday exploring possible paths forward. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the group “discussed all of the options,” but he showed little appetite for compromise.
“We’re going to keep fighting day after day, vote after vote, until Republicans put working families ahead of the wealthy few,” Schumer told reporters.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has furloughed about 750,000 federal employees, left many others working without pay, disrupted air travel in several cities, and suspended food assistance for low-income households.
President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Senate Republicans to end the stalemate, urging them to eliminate the filibuster rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation.
On Tuesday, Trump also threatened to block food assistance until the government reopens and warned that parts of U.S. airspace could be closed to civilian traffic if the impasse lasts another week.
Republican senators were invited to breakfast with Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss next steps, according to a source familiar with the plan.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, Senate leaders are struggling to reach the 60 votes needed to pass a funding measure.
So far, only Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, and independent Angus King, have joined Republicans in supporting temporary funding. Republican Senator Rand Paul opposes the measure, leaving GOP leaders still five Democratic votes short.
“We’re still in the throes of a give-and-take,” said Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, describing the ongoing talks.
A bipartisan group of senators has floated several options, including differing end dates for a new stopgap measure, ranging from December to March, in hopes of breaking the deadlock.
Despite growing fatigue and public pressure, no clear resolution has emerged.
As the shutdown drags on, the economic and social toll continues to deepen, while Washington remains mired in partisan gridlock.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
