Senate Democrats Block Another GOP Effort to Reopen Government
After a weekend filled with anti-Trump protests, Senate Democrats have once again prevented Republicans from reopening the government for the eleventh time, as the shutdown nears its fourth week.
Initially, Senate Republicans hoped their counterparts would reconsider following the “No Kings” rallies nationwide. However, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, most Senate Democrats chose to block the funding bill yet again.
As the shutdown lingers, it appears neither party is altering its stance.
Schumer criticized Congressional Republicans for their unwillingness to reach an agreement, despite Senate Republicans indicating a willingness to discuss the matter. “What kind of country do we live in? What kind of party is this Republican Party that can’t even look the American people in the eye and solve this ongoing issue?” Schumer lamented. He went on to express frustration with Republicans, saying they’re doing nothing while on vacation, calling it “unacceptable and morally repugnant.”
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) addressed attendees at the recent “No Kings” rally in Washington, D.C., asserting that the government was never shut down when Democrats were in power. He stated, “Shutdowns are painful. They hurt people. When Joe Biden was president and we had control of Congress, we acted like adults and negotiated with Republicans to keep the government open.”
Even though Senate Republicans are eager to resume government funding discussions, Senate Minority Leader John Thune, R.S.D., has yet to find support among Democrats. He offered to vote on expiring aid, but Democrats have yet to respond favorably.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are pursuing other avenues to fund the government. Last week, Thune attempted to push through his annual defense spending bill, which Senate Democrats blocked. Efforts to finalize three funding bills from August have also seen resistance from the Democrats.
Thune remarked, “The narrative about Obamacare’s enhanced premium tax credits will lose relevance as the shutdown continues. I don’t believe they want a solution; they want the political turmoil.” He also pointed out that even if lawmakers manage to pass a House-passed continuing resolution (CR), Congress only has a month to finalize a spending legislation.
Thune highlighted the urgency, stating, “Each passing day means we have less time to fund the government.” However, there may be an opportunity later in the week to provide payments for some federal workers and military personnel.
Thune mentioned that a bill proposed by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) seeks to compensate military personnel and certain “exceptional” federal employees who continue to work through the shutdown. He anticipates a vote on this bill by Thursday.
Democratic Senator John Hoeven commented on the situation, expressing hope that Senate Democrats would soon feel compelled to end the shutdown, either out of a sense of duty or pressure from voters. “I hope enough people tell them, ‘We want you to keep the government open. Do your jobs’,” he urged.
As it stands, there’s no clear resolution to the shutdown.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed concerns that neither party seems inclined to break the deadlock. “Both sides are stuck in a tough position, believing they’re winning; but in reality, everyone is losing,” she reflected. “The American people are the ones suffering from this standoff.”
