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The government shutdown appeared poised to continue into its third week, as Senate members once again declined to pass a Republican funding bill on Thursday, despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure opposition Democrats.
Since October 1, federal agencies have run out of funds, leading to a halt in many public services amid ongoing deadlocks between the two parties, which have resulted in near-daily failed votes to reopen the government.
With no clear breakthrough in sight, the Senate has adjourned until next Tuesday, meaning no votes will occur during that period.
Trump reiterated his threat to cut back government programs favored by Democrats while criticizing the Democratic Party over the shutdown during a cabinet meeting.
“The Democrat shutdown is causing pain and suffering for hardworking Americans, including our military personnel, air traffic controllers, and low-income mothers, including those with young children and those struggling to get by,” he stated.
His attempts to sway Democrats to support the Republican bill— which would keep the government funded through late November as negotiations proceed— have so far been unsuccessful.
Sources indicate that Democrats are privately preparing for a shutdown that could last several more weeks unless Republicans agree to their demands, particularly regarding the extension of healthcare subsidies set to expire on December 31.
About 750,000 federal workers remain on furlough— placed on unpaid leave— and both sides are concerned about the possibility that military personnel may miss their paychecks next Wednesday.
A bipartisan House proposal that would ensure the pay of 1.3 million active-duty service members throughout the shutdown currently has around 150 supporters.
However, Republican leaders oppose bringing the bill to a vote, insisting that the armed forces will receive their pay if Democrats supply the votes needed to end the shutdown.
“President Trump has been clear: we need to pay our troops,” said GOP Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, the bill’s author, on social media.
Democrats, buoyed by polls showing most voters blame Republicans for the shutdown, are betting that public support will grow the longer the standoff continues.
“Every day that passes gets better for us,” Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told Punchbowl News.
“We anticipated this scenario early on and prepared for it, knowing healthcare issues would be front and center on September 30. Their strategy was to threaten us and bluff until we capitulated, but we were ready,” he added.
In addition to widespread spending cuts, Trump’s aggressive strategy to force Democrats into concessions involves threats to cut some popular programs favored by Democrats, which are less supported by Republicans.
“We plan to cut some well-liked Democratic programs— not very popular with Republicans— because that’s how this works,” Trump said during his cabinet meeting.
“They wanted to do this, so we’re giving them a taste of their own medicine,” he added.
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