Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Day 38: Senate Faces Crucial Vote as New GOP Plan Emerges

The U.S. government shutdown has stretched into its 38th day, with both chambers of Congress under growing pressure to find a resolution. On Friday, the Senate is expected to take up a vote on advancing the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) — marking the fifteenth attempt to end the impasse. But this time, Republicans are introducing a new twist aimed at winning over moderate Democrats and breaking the political deadlock that has crippled federal operations for more than a month.

A Renewed Push to End the Stalemate

According to multiple sources, Senate Republicans plan to advance the CR first and then amend it with long-term appropriations bills. The amendment would also include an extension of government funding beyond November 21. Their hope is that this strategy — combined with a promise to schedule a future vote on extending health care subsidies — might entice enough Democrats to cross the aisle.

The Senate is set to reconvene at noon, though the exact timing of the vote remains uncertain. To move forward, the measure requires 60 votes, meaning at least five Democrats must join the Republican majority. Despite days of bipartisan talks, the odds remain steep. Many Democrats appear unwilling to compromise after strong showings in this week’s elections, which boosted their confidence to hold firm for greater concessions.

Meanwhile, as federal operations continue to be disrupted, the Trump administration has begun canceling thousands of flights nationwide, an effort to ease pressure on overworked air traffic controllers facing severe staffing shortages.

Legal Battles Intensify Over SNAP Benefits

Amid the ongoing shutdown, another crisis has surfaced involving federal food assistance. The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit to halt a lower court order requiring the Department of Agriculture to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for November.

Justice Department lawyers argue that U.S. District Judge John McConnell’s ruling overstepped judicial authority, accusing it of “making a mockery of the separation of powers.” The administration insists that the USDA cannot locate the $9 billion needed for full payments, claiming that the judge’s decision effectively orders them to “find $4 billion in the metaphorical couch cushions.”

The administration had already pledged to cover up to 65% of November’s SNAP payments using $4.6 billion from a contingency fund. However, McConnell ruled that the government must also use money from Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act to make up the remaining balance.

The Justice Department has requested an emergency stay by 4 p.m. Friday to block McConnell’s order, highlighting yet another layer of tension between the executive branch and the courts amid the funding stalemate.

Senate Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Work Through the Weekend

As frustration mounts, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota told reporters that lawmakers should expect to work through the weekend if Friday’s vote fails.

“There are a lot of people who want this done and understand how bad this is for the country,” Thune said. “If necessary, we’ll keep negotiating through the weekend to reach the number of Democrats needed to reopen the government.”

Thune emphasized that time is running out for both parties to demonstrate leadership. When asked if senators should prepare for weekend sessions, he responded bluntly: “That should be the expectation.”

The South Dakota senator also revealed that a separate vote will be held Friday to ensure federal workers who are still on the job during the shutdown get paid — a move he hopes will pressure Democrats to act.

Republicans Accuse Democrats of Political Posturing

Speaking on Fox News, Thune criticized Democrats for “running for cover” and blocking progress. He claimed that moderate members of the party are being “bullied” by their leadership into rejecting the GOP’s latest proposal.

“The far left of the Democratic caucus bullied the reasonable ones out of coming to the table,” Thune argued. “I’m hoping some will break away and do the right thing.”

According to Thune, Thursday’s Democratic caucus meeting felt “like a pep rally,” signaling that party unity remains strong in opposition to the Republican plan.

Republicans maintain that Democrats’ hardline stance is hurting ordinary Americans. “If they don’t come to the table soon, the American people will continue to suffer,” Thune warned.

Senate Schedule Remains Fluid

Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office confirmed that the Senate will meet at noon, though no time has been set for the critical vote. Lawmakers are preparing for a long day — or possibly a long weekend — of procedural maneuvers, debates, and potential amendments.

The vote will test whether bipartisan negotiations from earlier in the week can still bear fruit. Despite some optimism from moderate senators, conversations reportedly stalled Thursday when Democrats held a closed-door meeting to discuss strategy.

Bipartisan Negotiations Face Headwinds

Earlier in the week, there were glimmers of hope that a compromise could be reached. Bipartisan discussions centered on coupling a short-term funding extension with three long-term appropriations bills and a future vote on health insurance tax credits. However, optimism faded after House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to commit to voting on the health care provision, dampening Democratic enthusiasm.

As it stands, the measure will need 60 votes to pass. Republicans are counting on a small group of moderate Democrats — some of whom have previously supported procedural votes — to push the bill forward.

“My hopes are that we will have enough Democrats to proceed,” Thune said Friday . “But right now, it look's like they are slow-walking it.”

Air Travel Disruptions Spread Nationwide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to reduce air traffic at 40 major airports due to the shutdown’s strain on staff and resources. The Department of Transportation confirmed that the affected facilities include major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, & New York City.

The move has drawn criticism from both travelers and lawmakers who warn that further disruptions could harm the economy. Officials say the cuts are necessary to maintain safety standards while managing limited manpower.

Republicans Debate Limited Filibuster Reform

In a sign of growing desperation, Republican senators reportedly discussed a narrow change to Senate rules that would temporarily lower the threshold for passing a funding measure during a shutdown from sixty votes to a 51-vote simple majority.

The proposal would only apply to “clean” continuing resolutions — bills without additional policy provisions. While this change would not permanently alter the filibuster rule, it would allow the government to reopen more easily during emergencies.

However, sources told CBS News that the idea is unlikely to move forward. Despite pressure from President Trump to consider the move, many Senate Republicans remain opposed to weakening the chamber’s long-standing filibuster protections.

The filibuster has been altered before. Under Democratic leadership in 2013, the rule was modified to allow executive and most judicial nominees to be confirmed by a simple majority. Four years later, Republicans extended that change to Supreme Court nominations. Still, a broader change to legislative filibusters continues to face resistance from both sides.

Mounting Pressure from All Sides

With each passing day of the shutdown, the human and economic toll grows. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain unpaid, national parks are shuttered, and vital programs face uncertainty. Public frustration is mounting, with polls showing a majority of Americans blaming both parties for failing to govern effectively.

The White House continues to push for a deal on its own terms, while Democrats argue that any resolution must address key policy issues, including health care and social services. Moderate lawmakers from both sides warn that continued brinkmanship could have lasting damage on the nation’s credibility and economy.

The Road Ahead

As the Senate prepares for another critical vote, the stakes could not be higher. If Friday’s effort fails, the weekend is expected to be filled with marathon negotiations and potential procedural battles. The shutdown’s effects — from grounded flights to delayed benefits — are no longer abstract political talking points but real-world problems impacting millions.

While both parties insist they want to reopen the government, deep mistrust and political posturing continue to stand in the way of compromise. Unless a breakthrough comes soon, Americans may be facing a shutdown that rival's the longest in U.S. history - with no clear end in sight.

Conclusion

The 38th day of the government shutdown marks yet another chapter in Washington’s prolonged political standoff. The Senate’s upcoming vote could determine whether the government finally reopens or remains gridlocked. As negotiations continue and tempers flare, Americans across the country are left waiting for leaders to prioritize governance over partisanship. Whether this new Republican proposal succeeds or not, one thing is certain — the pressure on lawmakers to deliver a resolution has never been greater.

FAQs on the 2025 Government Shutdown and Senate Developments

1. Why has the government been shut down for 38 days?
A. The shutdown began due to a budget impasse between Republicans and Democrats over long-term funding priorities. While both parties agree on the need to reopen the government, they differ sharply on key provisions, including health care subsidies, social programs, and spending levels. Despite multiple attempts, no resolution has yet gained enough bipartisan support to pass both chambers of Congress.

2. What is the Senate voting on today?
A. The Senate is set to vote on advancing a House-passed continuing resolution (CR), which would temporarily reopen the government. Republicans plan to amend the bill to include long-term appropriations and an extension of funding beyond November 21. The measure requires 60 votes to advance, meaning at least a few Democrats must support it for it to move forward.

3. How is the shutdown affecting Americans?
A. The shutdown’s impact has been far-reaching. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain unpaid, some essential employees are still working without pay, and major programs such as SNAP are facing funding uncertainty. The FAA has also cut flight capacity at 40 major airports due to staffing shortages, disrupting travel and logistics nationwide.

4. Why are food benefits part of the shutdown debate?
A. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded through annual appropriations, which have been halted due to the shutdown. A federal court recently ordered the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits for November, but the administration argues it lacks sufficient funds. This has triggered a new legal battle between the executive branch and the judiciary.

5. What happens if the Senate vote fails?
A. If the vote fails to gain the required 60 votes, the government will remain partially shut down, and negotiations are expected to continue through the weekend. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has already stated that lawmakers should “expect to work through the weekend” if no agreement is reached. The failure of this vote would signal deeper partisan divisions and could prolong the crisis into late November.