Overview
- The 40‑day federal shutdown, now the longest on record, has disrupted air travel and delayed SNAP benefits as senators held rare weekend talks.
- An emerging bipartisan package would pair three full‑year appropriations bills with a short‑term funding measure through late January, with an initial procedural vote expected Sunday.
- The framework includes a December Senate vote on extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits, though there is no assurance of House action or an outcome on passage.
- President Donald Trump urged Republicans to send ACA funds directly to individuals through HSA‑style accounts and to scrap the filibuster, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the direct‑payment idea will not be introduced before the government reopens.
- Republican leaders rejected Democrats’ offer of a one‑year extension of the enhanced credits, while Democrats debate whether a guaranteed vote without immediate policy changes is sufficient to end the shutdown.