The Latest on the Government Shutdown

The Senate is gearing up for another round of government funding votes during today’s session, but an end to the shutdown is not imminently expected. However, in an interview with MSNBC, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated that he’s prepared to give Democrats a floor vote on their key health-related priorities, namely extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year. Leader Thune said he has told Democrats that “if you need a vote, we can guarantee you get a vote by a date certain.” When asked if this would be enough to move things toward a government reopening, the Majority Leader demurred, instead saying that he can “guarantee you that there will be a process and you will get a vote.”

• What’s next? The Senate is set to gavel in for votes on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR), as well as a “test vote” on the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Defense appropriations bill. While some Democrats have been clamoring for a return to “regular order” appropriations, action on FY 2026 spending bills has languished in the current political climate. Some Democrats may also be hesitant to engage in the process as well given the Trump administration’s efforts to rescind congressionally-obligated funding for programs, as well as lay off workers across executive branch agencies. Absent a significant bipartisan breakthrough or change of mind from Senate Democrats, these votes are not expected to succeed during today’s session.