The U.S. Senate remains locked in a weekend session with no immediate end to the federal government shutdown, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune signals lawmakers are settling in for a prolonged confrontation. Thune insists the government must be reopened before any major reforms—particularly those tied to health‑care subsidies—are negotiated, leaving Democrats stalled.
Thune and his Republican colleagues are crafting a package of three spending bills intended to resume funding for key agencies and extend operations through late January or even into next fiscal year. The text had not been finalized, and no vote was held Saturday, underscoring the depth of the impasse. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer are demanding a one‑year extension of premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before they’ll support reopening the government. Republicans call the move a “non‑starter.”
The shutdown, now entering its 39th day, is already the longest on record. Thune’s strategy reflects a long‑term mindset: he says the Senate will remain in town and the fight will continue until the funding gridlock is broken. At the same time, Democratic resistance remains strong. One senior GOP negotiator said the coalition behind the Democrats “wheels came off” after a closed‑door caucus meeting.
The longer the shutdown drags on, the greater the pressure on both parties, especially Republicans who face mounting public frustration over unpaid federal workers and disrupted services. But Thune appears ready for the showdown. “We just need to get the text out there,” he told reporters. “We’ve got to have votes to actually pass it.”
