Overview
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is optimistic but not confident the chamber could vote to reopen the government by week’s end as negotiators pivot to a new continuing resolution beyond Nov. 21.
- Republicans are weighing expiration dates ranging from mid-December to mid-January, with appropriators split over whether a shorter or longer runway best preserves momentum for full-year spending bills.
- Democrats insist on extending expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits before approving funding, while the White House and many Republicans say health care talks can begin only after the government reopens.
- Operational strain is mounting as USDA prepares only 50% of November SNAP benefits and the FAA reports widespread staffing triggers that slow air traffic, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or unpaid.
- The Senate’s move would force the out-of-session House to reconvene quickly, and although bipartisan rank-and-file discussions showed progress over the weekend, lawmakers caution any deal could still fall apart as the shutdown approaches the 35-day mark.