Overview

• Senate Republicans have failed in multiple attempts to pass a short-term funding extension because they lack the seven Democratic votes needed.
• Republican leaders rejected a standalone military pay bill, seeking to maintain pressure for their preferred funding approach.
• Trump blamed Senate leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for the impasse and warned troops' October 15 pay was at risk before issuing the directive.
• The White House announced the start of mass federal employee firings, with a court filing stating about 4,000 terminations are planned across agencies.
• Democrats are pressing to extend enhanced health-insurance subsidies for low-income households, while Republicans back a straight extension at current spending levels.