The U.S. government has officially entered a shutdown after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a funding deal. This impasse occurred following the Senate’s rejection of a Republican-backed “clean” stopgap bill passed by the House, as well as the Democrats’ alternative proposal. Neither option managed to garner the necessary 60 votes for advancement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced that a vote will take place on Wednesday to consider legislation aimed at reopening the federal government.
In a recent television interview, Thune stated, “We picked up three tonight when we voted on this,” indicating some progress in bipartisan support. He expressed optimism that Republicans would gain more votes in the upcoming round.
Thune specifically noted that three Democrats—Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Angus King (I-Maine)—joined the Republican side in a bid to keep the government running. He remains hopeful that enough support will materialize to ensure the government’s reopening.
