Government Shutdown Update
On Tuesday’s episode of “The Morning Meeting,” former Democratic strategist Dan Turrentine shared that he has been receiving messages from Democrats in Congress suggesting that the ongoing government shutdown might soon come to an end. The shutdown, which started on October 1, happened after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most Senate Democrats blocked a bipartisan funding proposal.
Turrentine mentioned that this signals a shift among moderate Democrats who may begin discussions about resolving the shutdown within the next week. He noted, “As I’ve been texting with people on the Democratic side of the Capitol, they know this isn’t going to last much longer. There’s no talk of, ‘Yeah, let’s do this until Thanksgiving.’” He added, “They’re like, ‘Oh, we know this has to end quickly.'” He seems to believe that a resolution might emerge soon, raising the question of which side will make the first move.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was less committal when asked on CNN if the shutdown would extend past Thanksgiving. He emphasized that Democrats are willing to negotiate for a bipartisan spending agreement but maintained that any potential deal must address significant issues and genuinely benefit the American people.
Almost all Senate Democrats opposed the latest funding package, marking the 11th failed attempt to reopen the government. So far, only a few Democrats have broken ranks to support emergency measures aimed at ending the shutdown.
The current shutdown could set a record if it lasts beyond November 4, surpassing the previous longest shutdown of 35 days during Trump’s presidency. As of now, federal workers are expected to face reduced paychecks starting Friday, and congressional Democrats have resisted propositions that would provide pay for soldiers and federal employees working during this period.
