The federal government shutdown will continue into next week after the Senate adjourned Thursday night without reaching an agreement to reopen federal agencies. The stalemate, now in its tenth day, shows no signs of resolution as both parties hold firm to their positions.
The Senate once again failed to advance either party's funding plan. The Republican-led House proposal, which sought to extend government operations for seven weeks, fell short in a 54 to 45 vote. Only three Democrats supported the measure, the same number that has crossed party lines since the shutdown began. It was the seventh failed vote in a week, underscoring the deep divide in Congress.
The Senate is not scheduled to return until Tuesday afternoon, extending the shutdown into at least mid-October. The House, which has been out of session since Sept. 19, is unlikely to reconvene before the Senate acts. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has maintained that the lower chamber has already done its part, placing the responsibility on Senate Democrats to act.
As the impasse continues, the shutdown's impact is spreading. Air travel disruptions have worsened due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. According to the Trump administration, roughly 13,000 controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration employees are continuing to work without pay. Some airports are reporting longer wait times and flight delays as more workers call in sick.
The Department of Homeland Security has begun airing a video at airports nationwide featuring Secretary Kristi Noem, who blames Democrats for the shutdown. The video states that "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government," a claim that has intensified partisan tensions.
The dispute centers on Democratic demands to extend federal health care subsidies, which Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described as essential. Schumer said he is confident the Democratic position will strengthen as the shutdown continues. President Trump has accused Democrats of using health care as a political weapon and has warned of further program cuts if no deal is reached soon.
Meanwhile, several lawmakers are urging separate action to ensure military members are paid during the shutdown. The bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act has gained support in both parties, but House leadership has not scheduled a vote.
