Overview

• The Senate blocked a House-passed "clean" stopgap 52–42 and also rejected Democrats’ health care–focused alternative, marking a fifth round of failed votes.
• Only Sens. John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King crossed to support the GOP bill, while Sen. Rand Paul opposed both measures.
• President Donald Trump said he is open to a health care deal on ACA subsidies, but Democratic leaders said no negotiations are occurring as Republicans insist talks wait until after reopening.
• The White House warned federal workers could miss their next full paycheck and raised the prospect of layoffs, as officials highlighted strain on programs like food assistance.
• House leaders kept members away pending Senate action, while Democrats maintained they will not reopen the government without securing the subsidy extension as insurers prepare open-enrollment notices that anticipate higher premiums if credits lapse.