Government Shutdown Enters Third Week with No Resolution in Sight

TL/DR –

The U.S. government shutdown is in its third week, with no signs of resolution from either party leadership. Since the shutdown began, seven votes on short-term spending bills by both Democratic and Republican parties, aimed at reopening the government, have failed. The shutdown is getting close to the length of one that occurred in 2013 under President Barack Obama, which lasted 16 days; many believe the current shutdown could potentially last through the end of the month, with a compromise likely to stem from talks related to extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies.


Government Shutdown Enters Third Week with No Signs of Resolution

As the government shutdown enters its third week, there seems to be no end in sight with congressional leaders from both parties failing to reach consensus.

For all the latest news on Capitol Hill, follow WTOP correspondent Mitchell Miller at Today on the Hill.

Since October 1, when the shutdown began, the U.S. Senate has voted seven times on short-term spending bills put forth by both Democrats and Republicans to reopen the government. However, all of these bills have been unsuccessful.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson express their frustration as the number of Democrats supporting the GOP resolution remains unchanged. Thune reveals that he will no longer permit Democrats to propose their separate plan.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries counters Johnson’s claim that Democrats are stalling for political gain. Instead, he insists Republicans are ignoring the pressing issue of the year-end expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which will cause a surge in insurance rates for millions of Americans.

President Donald Trump has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to secure funds from the Pentagon budget to ensure military personnel receive their pay amid the shutdown. Despite this, there is widespread concern in Congress over this issue.

Record-breaking Government Shutdown

The shutdown is on track to become one of the longest in history, now in its thirteenth day. To put this in perspective, the dispute over the Affordable Care Act in 2013 resulted in a 16-day shutdown under President Barack Obama, and another 34-day shutdown happened in Trump’s first term over border wall funding.

Many on Capitol Hill suggest the current shutdown could potentially endure till the end of the month. However, many believe that a compromise might arise from discussions related to the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.

“If the president says something and he means it, and he wants to get it done, he’ll get it done. Period,” says Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, who has experienced numerous shutdowns during his extensive congressional career.

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