Senate Again Fails To Pass Spending Bill To Reopen The Government

The U.S. Senate failed once more to pass measures to fund the federal government, extending the government shutdown into its third day. On Friday (October 3), competing proposals from Republicans and Democrats were rejected, leaving lawmakers at a stalemate over enhanced Obamacare subsidies.

The Senate adjourned for the weekend without reaching an agreement, meaning the shutdown will likely continue into next week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, stated that his party would not concede to Democrats' demands to tie a spending extension to health care concessions. Thune emphasized, "This shutdown needs to end sooner rather than later. And there’s only one way out of it. Democrats need to vote for the clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution sitting right there."

Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, insist on extending health care tax credits, which they argue voters support. Schumer remarked, "We know Americans want this. And we know many of my Republican colleagues want this as well."

President Donald Trump’s administration has used the shutdown to push forward funding cuts targeting Democratic-led states. The White House has paused or canceled billions of dollars in approved funds, including $7.5 billion in energy projects and $18 billion in infrastructure funding for New York City. The administration's strategy aims to maximize the shutdown's impact on political opponents.

With no resolution in sight, the earliest another vote could occur is Monday. The shutdown marks the first since 2018 and has sparked debates over who is to blame.