Overview
- In a late-night Truth Social post, the president pressed Republicans to use the “nuclear option” so a simple majority could pass funding and end the shutdown.
- Under current rules, most bills require 60 votes; Republicans hold 53 seats, and Senate leadership led by John Thune has reiterated opposition to scrapping the threshold.
- Some Republicans floated limited carve-outs for funding measures, but others, including Sen. John Curtis, stated firm opposition to changing the rule.
- Democrats continue to block the GOP stopgap while demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and a reversal of planned Medicaid cuts.
- The lapse reached day 31 with SNAP benefits at risk starting Nov. 1, air traffic controllers missing paychecks, and the CBO estimating a $7–$14 billion economic hit.