The federal government shutdown is set to enter its third week after the Senate once again rejected a Republican-backed measure to fund the government.
Lawmakers voted Tuesday on a short-term continuing resolution but fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance it, extending the funding lapse that has already reached 15 days.
The final vote was 49–45. This was the eighth time senators have voted on the bill, which Republicans say would keep the government funded at current levels and allow negotiations to resume on Nov. 21. Only three Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure, leaving the proposal short of the five additional votes needed to break the filibuster.
Democrats have insisted they won’t agree to the bill unless proposed health care cuts are removed. Republicans have remained firm, arguing that the government must be reopened first before any policy changes are debated. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that he would not negotiate until Democrats back down.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” Johnson warned, predicting the standoff could surpass previous records.
The Daily Caller reported that most Senate Democrats voted against what Republicans have called a “clean” funding bill. Only Catherine Cortez Masto and Angus King joined Republicans. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman did not vote, while Republican Sen. Rand Paul opposed the measure.
The prolonged funding lapse has already forced furloughs and firings. Tourism has slowed, flights have been disrupted, and restaurants and small businesses in Washington, D.C., are reporting lower traffic. Agencies are also beginning to run out of leftover funds from the previous fiscal year, raising the stakes as the shutdown drags on.
The Senate is expected to hold its ninth vote on the measure Wednesday. But with neither party showing signs of giving in, the shutdown is likely to stretch on, potentially becoming the longest in U.S. history.
Republicans argue Democrats are putting health care subsidies ahead of reopening the government, while Democrats insist the cuts are unacceptable. The political pressure is mounting as polls show voters view Republicans more favorably on handling the economy and government operations.