Overview
- The shutdown reached its 31st day on Friday as Senate Democrats repeatedly blocked a House-passed stopgap using the filibuster.
- Republicans control 53 Senate seats, leaving them short of the 60 votes normally required to advance most legislation.
- Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders have rejected scrapping the filibuster, arguing it safeguards the Senate and future minority rights.
- Some Republicans have floated a limited exemption or broader rules change, but it remains unclear whether there are enough GOP votes to proceed.
- Operational strains are growing, with SNAP benefits at risk this weekend, air traffic controllers missing paychecks, and the CBO estimating a $7–$14 billion economic hit.