Senate Debacle Enters 12th Day as Shutdown Lingers on: Is Washington Lost to Politics?
The Senate has once again failed to pass a funding resolution, extending the US government shutdown to become one of the longest in history. The tally now stands at 50-43 against the measure, with no recent defections from the Democratic side.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy of keeping the House closed on an extended recess appears to be backfiring, as his Republican allies begin to question the necessity of the shutdown tactic. Johnson has been adamant that the measure is crucial for passing a bill without policy additions, but Democrats are unwilling to budge on healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Johnson's comments have drawn criticism from some members of his own party, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has called for the House to return to session immediately. This internal dissent marks a noticeable shift in support for Johnson's approach, which had initially gained traction within the GOP ranks.
The shutdown's impact is growing by the day, with over 1,400 federal employees from the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration furloughed due to lack of funding. The US energy secretary, Chris Wright, is set to address the issue at a press conference in Las Vegas later this week.
Analysts are starting to speculate that the impasse might soon break, citing "friends in the Senate" who believe Schumer's shutdown strategy will eventually come to an end. With millions of Americans still reeling from last Saturday's No Kings protests against Trump, Washington appears increasingly divided between the Democratic and Republican camps. Will a compromise be reached this week, or will the US government continue to operate on fumes?
The Senate has once again failed to pass a funding resolution, extending the US government shutdown to become one of the longest in history. The tally now stands at 50-43 against the measure, with no recent defections from the Democratic side.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy of keeping the House closed on an extended recess appears to be backfiring, as his Republican allies begin to question the necessity of the shutdown tactic. Johnson has been adamant that the measure is crucial for passing a bill without policy additions, but Democrats are unwilling to budge on healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Johnson's comments have drawn criticism from some members of his own party, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has called for the House to return to session immediately. This internal dissent marks a noticeable shift in support for Johnson's approach, which had initially gained traction within the GOP ranks.
The shutdown's impact is growing by the day, with over 1,400 federal employees from the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration furloughed due to lack of funding. The US energy secretary, Chris Wright, is set to address the issue at a press conference in Las Vegas later this week.
Analysts are starting to speculate that the impasse might soon break, citing "friends in the Senate" who believe Schumer's shutdown strategy will eventually come to an end. With millions of Americans still reeling from last Saturday's No Kings protests against Trump, Washington appears increasingly divided between the Democratic and Republican camps. Will a compromise be reached this week, or will the US government continue to operate on fumes?