Senate Democrats block GOP plan for 10th time, ensuring shutdown lasts into next week

Senate Democrats blocked Republicans’ 10th attempt to reopen the government, ensuring the shutdown enters a third week as lawmakers prepare for a long weekend after just three days in session.

Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are pushing to pass the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until Nov. 21, while Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, want to negotiate expiring Obamacare subsidies and involve President Trump directly.

Talks between the parties have largely stalled, with some Republicans, like Sen. Markwayne Mullin, saying negotiations are “not really” happening and extensions of the subsidies before the Nov. 1 open enrollment deadline appear unlikely.

Procedural votes, including on the defense spending bill to fund military paychecks, are planned, but Democratic support remains uncertain, Fox News has reported.

A few Democrats—John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King—consistently voted with Republicans, emphasizing that reopening the government should come before addressing other policy issues.