Democrats and Republicans remain deeply divided over federal funding, with the Senate grappling to pass a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., took a dramatic stand on Wednesday by delivering a nearly 24-hour speech, effectively stalling the vote on the 12th attempt to secure funding for the government since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Merkley, 68, criticized the Trump administration for its growing authoritarian tendencies, warning of the erosion of democratic norms and the expansion of executive power.
In his lengthy remarks, Merkley outlined his concerns about the executive branch’s increasing influence, citing the recent use of the National Guard to patrol cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis, and Portland, Oregon. He argued that these actions represent a dangerous shift toward tyranny and a strongman state. “If you remove a clear standard as to whether there is a rebellion and just say a president can deploy the military on a whim in places he doesn’t like against peaceful protesters to distract Americans or to exercise a suppression of dissent, then you have flung the doors open to tyranny, to a strongman state,” Merkley emphasized.
The political gridlock has become increasingly evident as the Senate failed to pass the short-term funding package, which was approved by the House of Representatives last month. The bill, which would keep the government open through Nov. 21, faced resistance from Democrats who sought to extend the expiration date for pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies. The Senate’s failure to pass the bill again highlights the deepening ideological divide, with Republicans controlling the House and Democratic senators blocking the measure to push for their own agenda.
Despite the stalled vote, Merkley’s efforts drew widespread attention and support from fellow Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, who praised Merkley’s filibuster as a necessary stand against authoritarianism. “We need to stand up for our democracy and continue calling out and countering Trump’s authoritarian tactics,” Booker tweeted, underscoring the broader political message behind Merkley’s speech.
As the debate over federal funding continues, the situation remains fraught with high stakes. With the government already in a prolonged shutdown, the failure to reach a consensus could lead to further economic and social disruption. The political landscape is shifting, and the outcome of this standoff may have long-term implications for governance in the United States.