Key Highlights
- The Senate failed to advance a Republican-backed funding bill for the 13th time.
- Vice President JD Vance met with Senate Republicans at the Capitol.
- The largest union representing federal government employees urged lawmakers to pass a clean continuing resolution.
- Republicans considered measures to pay some federal workers or fund programs like SNAP during the shutdown.
Government Shutdown Continues: 13th Vote Fails in Senate
The ongoing government shutdown has entered its 28th day, with the Senate failing to advance a Republican-backed funding bill for the 13th time. The procedural vote was 54-45, falling short of the required 60 votes needed to move forward.
Vice President JD Vance Meets with Senate Republicans
Vice President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol shortly after 1 p.m. for his lunch meeting with GOP senators. He stated, “Talk to you guys soon,” as he entered the building.
Largest Union Urges Reopening of Government
The largest federal workers’ union called on lawmakers to pass a clean continuing resolution and end the shutdown. The union’s statement emphasized the urgent need for action, saying it was “time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown.”
Republicans Consider Carveouts to Fund Programs
Republicans are considering measures to fund certain programs or pay federal workers during the shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed doubt about the viability of such carveouts, saying, “There’s not a high level of interest in doing carveouts.” He added that most Republicans recognize voting to open up the government as the way out.
Democrats Face Increased Pressure
Federal employees missed their first full paycheck at the end of last week and are facing potential delays for upcoming paychecks, including for the military. The Department of Agriculture warned that federal food aid will not go out on November 1 due to the shutdown, affecting about 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
Republicans and Democrats in Stalemate
The House passed a continuing resolution funding the government until November 21, but it has fallen short of the 60 votes needed in the Senate. Democrats are under increasing pressure to back down after a major union representing federal workers made their stance clear. Rep. Mike Johnson urged Democrats to reopen the government, saying, “You have an off-ramp now.” He added that Republicans have done their job by passing the measure and urged Democrats to claim cover and end the shutdown.
SNAP Funding Bill Proposed
Senator Josh Hawley proposed a bill to fund the SNAP program through the shutdown. He wrote, “Saturday will be another grim milestone,” referring to the day about 42 million Americans may lose federal food assistance. Hawley’s legislation aims to provide uninterrupted benefits under SNAP and is known as the Keep SNAP Funded Act.
World Central Kitchen Feeds Furloughed Workers
The nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, has begun feeding furloughed federal workers free lunches. Volunteers passed out nearly 2,000 meals in Washington, D.C., on Monday and plan to continue the effort.
Democrats Push for Health Insurance Subsidies
Democrats have pressed GOP leadership to agree to extend health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans in exchange for Democratic votes to end the shutdown. The Trump administration has blamed Senate Democrats for the looming cutoff, while Democrats argue that extending health insurance is a reasonable trade.
Conclusion
The government shutdown continues to impact federal employees and programs, with both Republicans and Democrats facing pressure to reach a compromise. As negotiations continue, millions of Americans rely on support from unions, non-profits, and the hope for a resolution in Washington.
