Republican Senate Blocks Funding and Prolongs U.S. Government Shutdown to Second-Longest in History
Key Takeaways
- Senate Democrats have blocked government funding bills 11 times since October 1.
- The shutdown has lasted 22 days, becoming the second-longest in U.S. history.
- Funding bills repeatedly fail to reach the 60-vote threshold needed for passage.
U.S. Government Shutdown Update
Multiple outlets report the partial U.S. government shutdown has stretched into its third week and is now the second-longest in history.
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The shutdown continues due to repeated Senate failures to advance a House-passed stopgap funding bill.
The New York Post states the shutdown “became the second-longest in history on its 22nd day.”
Since October 1, Senate Democrats have blocked Republican efforts to reopen the government 11 times, according to the New York Post.
Anadolu Ajansı reports the Senate voted 50-43 against advancing a House-passed bill to fund the government until November 21, marking the 11th such block.
Newsmax also reports a separate vote where the Senate voted 52–48 to reject a Republican-backed measure, which was the 11th failed attempt.
EL PAÍS English highlights the historical context, noting this shutdown is surpassed only by the 34-day shutdown in 2018-2019 under President Trump.
Fox News states Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have blocked Republican efforts to fund the government.
Government Shutdown Dispute
Blame for the prolonged shutdown is sharply contested across media outlets.
The New York Post and Fox News both say Senate Democrats are blocking GOP attempts to reopen the government.
Newsmax highlights a deep partisan divide and reports Schumer’s accusation that Republicans are “holding the government hostage.”
EL PAÍS English focuses on policy demands, noting that Democrats want to extend Obamacare subsidies and prevent Medicaid cuts linked to the 2017 tax law.
The outlet argues that public opinion currently favors Democrats.
Notably, none of these sources say Senate Republicans are the ones blocking funding.
Instead, they report Democratic opposition in the Senate to a House-passed GOP measure.
US Government Funding Debate
While the core funding bill remains stalled, lawmakers are maneuvering around the edges.
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Government Executive reports Senate Democrats criticized a proposal as “picking winners and losers,” with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it a tactic giving Trump “too much control.”
It also notes Trump announced plans to reallocate Defense Department funds to pay military personnel.
Senator Ron Johnson proposed immediately paying ‘excepted’ federal workers.
Fox News says Republicans, led by John Thune, have proposed limited measures like military pay, which Democrats rejected.
Newsmax adds Thune said the week’s focus would be on military pay and federal operations.
Anadolu Ajansı continues to stress the repeated failures to hit the 60-vote threshold, indicating no procedural progress.
Impact of Federal Shutdown
The shutdown’s toll on federal workers and services is mounting.
Government Executive tallies about 700,000 federal workers are furloughed with partial pay, and 1.5 million are working, many without timely pay, and details widespread financial strain.
Newsmax reports thousands of federal employees are furloughed or working without pay and that agencies like Homeland Security and Transportation extended furloughs.
EL PAÍS English puts furloughs at about 750,000 and estimates economic costs at 7.6 to 15.2 billion dollars per week.
Fox News emphasizes that the public is to bear the consequences as Congress remains deadlocked.
Government Shutdown Stalemate
With no clear path forward, the stalemate may drag on.
“The US Senate on Monday blocked a stopgap funding measure for the 11th time, failing to advance legislation aimed at reopening the federal government”
Newsmax warns that with no negotiations planned, officials caution the shutdown could continue into next month.
Anadolu Ajansı reports there is no indication of progress in upcoming attempts to resolve the issue.
Government Executive states that Senate Republicans are urging House Republicans to pass a longer-term bill to avoid an even more prolonged continuing resolution.
The New York Post recounts 11 times Senate Democrats have blocked efforts since October 1.
Fox News highlights the entrenched positions on both sides and the absence of a breakthrough.
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