Overview
- Senate Democrats have blocked the House’s short-term funding bill 13 times, insisting any reopening include an extension of expiring ACA premium tax credits.
- Lawmakers describe increased bipartisan engagement below leadership levels, with some eyeing progress next week as open enrollment begins and a Nov. 7 recess approaches.
- SNAP benefits are set to lapse Nov. 1 for tens of millions after Republicans blocked a Democratic standalone bill to fund SNAP and WIC, and states have been told to pause November issuance.
- The House has not been in session since Sept. 19, and Speaker Mike Johnson says he will not reconvene for a new CR, arguing the Senate must act on the House-passed measure.
- President Trump is on an Asia trip with limited direct involvement in talks, and the White House says negotiations will follow only after Democrats vote to reopen the government.