Overview
- Trump called on Republicans via Truth Social to use the “nuclear option” to bypass the 60‑vote threshold, a step only the Senate can take and whose prospects remain uncertain.
- Republicans control the Senate 53–47, leaving them short of the votes typically needed to end debate without changing chamber rules.
- Senate GOP leaders are pressing for a short-term measure running to November 21, while Democrats are tying support to talks on expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
- About 750,000 federal employees are furloughed or unpaid as the funding lapse moves into its fifth week with no bipartisan agreement.
- The CBO estimates a $7–$14 billion economic cost, and SNAP benefits for roughly 42 million people are at risk as Democratic-led states sue to keep payments going.