The government shutdown enters its 16th day, with the Senate poised to vote on a House-passed bill to reopen federal operations. This comes as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds, with the former demanding an extension of health insurance tax credits and the latter working to peel off support from across the aisle. The Senate is expected to vote for a 10th time on the bill, which has failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to advance on previous occasions. Senate GOP leaders are attempting a new strategy by voting on a full-year appropriations bill to fund the Pentagon, hoping to attach other funding bills to it. However, the outcome of this approach remains uncertain.
The situation has led to a temporary fix for military personnel, as the Trump administration utilized unused research and development funds to cover their paychecks. FBI agents will also be paid during the shutdown, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Despite these measures, House Speaker Mike Johnson warns that the shutdown could result in troops missing their next paychecks at the end of the month if it persists.
The Senate's schedule for the day includes a procedural vote on the continuing resolution to fund the government until November 21, followed by a vote on a judicial nomination. At 1:30 p.m., the Senate will take a procedural vote on the full-year Defense Department funding measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Democrats to allow this measure to advance, arguing that blocking it would be detrimental to their image.
The issue of extending health insurance tax credits has been a point of contention, with Speaker Johnson stating that it is part of a deliberative process among members. He emphasized that the Obamacare subsidy issue is not urgent and that the focus should remain on the current continuing resolution. Johnson's stance highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for member-driven consensus.
Despite the challenges, Senate Majority Leader John Thune believes there is a path forward and has offered Democrats a vote on their health insurance demands by a specific date. However, he cannot guarantee an outcome, as the process requires a consensus among 535 members. The government shutdown's duration remains uncertain, with Thune expressing hope that it won't extend through Thanksgiving. The House-passed bill is seen as the quickest way to end the shutdown, but the outcome depends on the negotiations and compromises between the two parties.
