Congress on Track to Set New Record for Longest U.S. Government Shutdown
Congress is on track to break the record for the longest government shutdown in US history, with the funding lapse approaching the 35-day mark. Bipartisan talks are ongoing to resolve the stalemate, but there’s little optimism for a deal before the record is set. The shutdown threatens to impact millions of Americans with lost SNAP benefits, early education closures, and potential health care premium increases.
The ongoing government funding gap will hit the 35-day mark on Tuesday night, surpassing the previous record set in early 2019, which also occurred under former President Donald Trump. Despite bipartisan talks among senators, there’s little chance Congress will reach a deal to reopen the government before the milestone. Even if an agreement is quickly reached in the Senate, lawmakers aren’t scheduled to return to Washington until Monday night, with Speaker Mike Johnson giving House members only 48 hours’ notice before they must return to vote on any bill.
Speaker Mike Johnson described the potential record-breaking shutdown as ‘utterly shameful,’ accusing Democrats of causing unnecessary pain to the American people. Meanwhile, some Republicans are betting that the upcoming Election Day on Tuesday may pressure Democrats to compromise, as the outcome in several key races could influence their willingness to support a funding patch.
However, Democrats reject the idea that they are holding out on a deal due to political calculations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated that Democrats are open to bipartisan discussions to reopen the government and create a spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people. But Democrats have been increasingly under pressure from their base after previous attempts to find a compromise were met with backlash.
Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about the possibility of a quick resolution, with some warning that the shutdown could set a new standard for political gridlock. The involvement of former President Trump, who has been urging Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster, adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations, as this proposal is unlikely to gain sufficient support among Senate Republicans.
As the shutdown continues, the potential for increased public pressure and the looming reality of financial hardship for millions of Americans could serve as a turning point in the stalemate. Lawmakers must now weigh the full implications of allowing the government shutdown to persist, with some predicting that the first tangible consequences, such as the loss of SNAP benefits, may be the catalyst for a resolution.