Senate Democrats Block GOP Reopen Plan, Driving Shutdown Into Weekend

Senate Democrats blocked Republicans’ fourth try to reopen the federal government, ensuring that the government shutdown continues through the weekend.

After observing Yom Kippur, lawmakers returned Friday only to hit another stalemate. The GOP’s continuing resolution failed in the Senate by a 54-44 vote, with three Democratic caucus members — Senators John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King — joining Republicans in the vote.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune vowed to bring the bill forward repeatedly, arguing that the government must reopen so real legislative work can resume. He criticized Democrats for “taking hostage the federal government” and placing political theater over people’s livelihoods.

Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, argue any reopening must include protections for the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republicans say those negotiations should follow once the government is open. Democrats refuse to vote for a “clean” continuing resolution without stimulus for that healthcare provision.

With the shutdown entering its third day, more federal workers are being furloughed or working without pay, and interruptions to government services are mounting. Analysts warn that without quick resolution, damage to public confidence and fiscal costs will grow.

Some Republicans are pushing back, proposing new heightened consequences for lawmakers who fail to act. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has introduced the SHUTDOWN Act, which would impose a daily “tax” on members of Congress during funding lapses. The idea is to hit lawmakers where it hurts — their paychecks — in hopes of forcing urgency.

As tensions intensify, the divide over healthcare policy, constitutional duties, and legislative accountability has become sharper. The standoff may not just be funding bills — it’s a deeper test of whether the federal government can function amid partisan demands and constitutional constraints.

TL;DR

Senate Democrats blocked a GOP push to end the government shutdown again, keeping it alive through the weekend. The key fight centers on whether to include expiring ACA tax credits in the funding deal. Republicans pushed a plan to penalize lawmakers with a “shutdown tax” to force action.