The government shutdown led by Democrats is on track to become the longest in history.
Senate Democrats blocked a clean funding bill proposed by Republicans on September 30, resulting in the shutdown that commenced on October 1. Now, more than a month later, the shutdown is approaching 35 days, a record originally set during President Trump’s first term.
As voting continues to fail, if it stretches to midnight Wednesday, it will surpass the previous 35-day record.
Although neither party seems to be close to an agreement, Trump has called on Republicans to consider a nuclear option to resolve the shutdown.
Trump suggested on Truth Social, “End the filibuster, not just for government shutdowns, but for everything else. We’re going to implement common-sense policies, and remember, Democrats will do it as soon as they can.” He added, “Republicans, be tough and smart! The Democrats won’t reopen our country, no matter the cost!”
His push to eliminate the filibuster would let Republicans pass funding with a simple majority, moving away from the current 60-vote requirement. Only three Democrats voted with Republicans to reopen the government, falling short of the necessary votes.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has consistently opposed removing the filibuster, and despite pressure, he maintains that his stance hasn’t changed.
Meanwhile, with no agreements in sight, millions of Americans have lost critical government benefits, including food assistance programs that expired last weekend. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is using this moment to address issues related to the program, claiming that illegal aliens should not benefit from it.
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has also voted against the funding bill, remarked on social media that it’s time to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs, emphasizing the urgency to understand why the program has surged in popularity during Biden’s administration.
