The Senate took steps towards avoiding a government shutdown on Monday, as Democrats blocked the GOP’s latest attempt to pass a “clean” stopgap funding bill for the fifth time.
The vote ended with a 52-42 against the House-Passed Bill, which required 60 votes to progress. This bill aimed to maintain government funding at the spending levels seen during President Biden’s tenure until late November. Since the shutdown began last Wednesday, the numbers have remained mostly unchanged, barring some absenteeism.
Three Senators—Catherine Cortez Mast (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.)—voted alongside Republicans, similar to their decisions last week. However, no additional Democrats joined them, causing frustration within the majority party over their inability to secure more votes.
Democrats have voiced a desire for the stopgap bill to extend the Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credit, which is set to end at the year’s conclusion.
One senator expressed a viewpoint that Democrats were gaining favor with far-left interest groups through their shutdown strategy but questioned whether this was resonating with everyday Americans.
This vote highlights the ongoing deadlock between the two parties. While lawmakers have had intermittent discussions about potential paths forward, Senator Thune mentioned there was currently no incentive to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
On Monday, the Chamber of Commerce also voted along party lines against a Democratic suspension bill aimed at introducing health provisions to sustain government funding.
Schumer stated on the floor, “We are ready to collaborate with Republicans to reopen the government and address the healthcare crisis affecting millions. However, any negotiation requires participation from Senate and House Republicans, as well as the president.”
As negotiations continue to falter, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated that House members would remain in their districts until a deal is reached. “I want to get my people back. I’m eager to return to session and start working, but we need Chuck Schumer to take action to reopen the government,” he told reporters on Monday.
The House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.
