On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate again failed to pass a temporary funding bill, marking the 14th unsuccessful attempt and setting the stage for what could become the longest government shutdown in American history. The current 35-day record, set in 2018-19, is now in the crosshairs.
The Republican-held Senate voted 54-44 on the House-approved "clean" continuing resolution, which would fund the government at existing levels through November 21. The measure fell short of the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.
The shutdown is already causing disruptions across key sectors. Aviation schedules are tightening, food assistance programs are operating only on emergency funds, and health care services are teetering under uncertainty.
A report from the Congressional Budget Office warns that if the shutdown stretches to eight weeks, the U.S. economy could lose $14 billion in growth.
On the Senate floor – and online – party leaders traded barbs. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of worsening conditions for Americans, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blamed Republicans for looming 30% premium hikes once Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.
One immediate casualty is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves roughly 42 million Americans. After court intervention, the administration said it would use emergency funds to cover only half of SNAP benefits this month, leaving many families scrambling.
Public frustration is on the rise. A recent Gallup poll shows Congress's approval rating at just 15%, with nearly 80% of adults disapproving of its performance. "Nobody is happy with the shutdown – or with either party," says Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College.
As the vote threshold remains out of reach, communities, businesses, and everyday citizens face growing uncertainty. Will lawmakers break the stalemate before the shutdown record is broken? The countdown – and the pressure – continues.
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U.S. govt shutdown to break record as Senate fails to pass bill again
cgtn.com
