Senate returns to Washington as government shutdown nears 36-day record

The Senate returns to Washington, D.C., this week as the federal government shutdown nears a record-breaking milestone and lawmakers stay caught of their positions.

Late Tuesday night, the federal government shutdown will formally change into the longest ever at 36 days, breaking the earlier file set in early 2019. And as that file approaches, payday deadlines are missed and federal advantages dry up, the Senate remains to be largely in a holding sample.

Nonetheless, there was renewed optimism amongst some lawmakers as bipartisan talks elevated final week, and lots of hope the identical momentum continues this week.

TRUMP’S ‘NUCLEAR’ DEMAND FAILS FOR SENATE REPUBLICANS AGAINST SHUTDOWN

The Senate returns to Washington, DC, because the shutdown approaches the longest in historical past, with neither social gathering prepared to maneuver from their positions. (Jim Watson/AFP through Getty Photos)

However for now, neither facet is budging from the positions they’ve held since October 1, when the shutdown formally started.

Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his Democratic caucus desire a deal on the expiration of Obamacare premium subsidies earlier than agreeing to reopen the federal government. Open enrollment formally started nationwide on Saturday.

They’ve lengthy warned that except a deal is struck earlier than open enrollment, People who depend on the subsidies will see their premiums rise, regardless of the subsidies not expiring till the top of this yr.

“Persons are going to see drastic, drastic will increase of their well being care prices,” Schumer mentioned final week. “Individuals sit down on the desk on Friday night with a pit, with a gap of their abdomen, and say: ‘How are we going to do that?'”

BENEFITS OF FOOD STAMPS FOR 42 MILLION AMERICANS AT RISK FROM CLOSING TODAY

President Donald Trump appears to be like on as he speaks to members of the media aboard Air Pressure One en path to Joint Base Andrews, Nov. 2, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Senate Republicans largely agree that some form of growth in subsidies is required, however in addition they wish to see a raft of reforms made to this system that was strengthened underneath former President Joe Biden.

And Senate Majority Chief John Thune, R-S.D., has supplied Senate Democrats a vote on Obamacare subsidies, however they are saying that is not sufficient and are demanding President Donald Trump be concerned.

Trump formally returned to the nation after a virtually week-long journey to Asia, however nonetheless seems to be holding the shutdown at bay.

Whereas Schumer and his Democratic caucus’ calls for have remained targeted on the expiration of Obamacare subsidies, they’ve additionally blamed Trump for not funding federal meals advantages as he did in 2019 and have referred to as for Schumer and Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to satisfy with the president.

THE GOVERNMENT ENTERES THE LONGEST COMPLETE LOCKOUT IN US HISTORY WITHOUT END IN SIGHT

Senate Majority Chief John Thune speaks throughout a information convention with Senate Republican leaders after a coverage luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 28, 2025. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu through Getty Photos)

However Trump will not meet with prime Democrats in Congress till the shutdown is over — some extent he and Republicans have made time and time once more.

And he will not budge on well being care negotiations till the federal government reopens.

“I am not going to do it by being extorted by the Democrats who’ve misplaced their means,” Trump mentioned on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” “There’s one thing improper with these folks.”

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In the meantime, Trump has urged Senate Republicans to abolish the 60-vote filibuster threshold within the Senate. Doing so is a proverbial third rail for Senate Republicans and a longstanding precedence for Senate Democrats.

He reiterated that decision this weekend in posts Saturday and Sunday on his social media platform Reality Social.

“Republicans, you’ll rue the day you didn’t END the FILIBUSTER!!! BE STRONG, BE SMART AND WIN,” he mentioned.