Major Development In Government Shutdown

In another stunning act of partisan obstruction, Senate Democrats voted for the seventh time to keep the federal government shut down—defying calls from Republicans and President Trump to get America back to work.

The House-passed bill, drafted by Republicans, would have funded the government through November 21 at current levels. But Democrats blocked the measure, 54-45, leaving Washington in chaos and millions of families uncertain about their paychecks and benefits.

Only three Democrats—John Fetterman (Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine)—joined Republicans in voting to end the shutdown. Even then, the measure fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to oppose it, citing fiscal discipline.

Republicans Demand Democrats End Political Games

Immediately after the vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) filed a motion to reconsider, keeping the door open for another attempt to reopen the government and protect essential workers and military families.

Thune blasted Democrats for using the shutdown as a political weapon. “The longer this goes on, the clearer it becomes—Democrats own this shutdown,” he said on the Senate floor.

Even Vice President J.D. Vance condemned Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after he bragged that “every day gets better for us” during the shutdown. “That’s a vile sentiment,” Vance wrote on social media, calling the remark proof that Democrats are putting politics over people.

Schumer’s Profanity-Laced Outburst Sparks Outrage

Schumer’s tone-deaf comments came after he posted a profanity-filled video attacking Republicans and vowing not to “let Republicans blow up our health care system.”

Republicans fired back immediately, accusing Democrats of “celebrating a crisis” instead of solving it.

“This isn’t a political game,” Thune declared. “Americans are suffering while Democrats congratulate themselves.”

Democrats Push Massive Spending Instead of Common Sense

Earlier Thursday, Democrats tried to push through their own partisan spending bill, packed with billions in new subsidies for Obamacare and efforts to reverse Trump-era Medicaid reforms. That measure failed 47-50, marking the seventh defeat for their plan since September 19.

Republicans argued that Democrats are holding the government hostage to demand unlimited spending and new entitlements instead of passing a simple funding bill to keep the government running.

Shutdown Hurting Troops and Families Across America

As the shutdown enters its ninth day, more than 1.3 million active-duty service members are expected to miss their first paychecks on October 15. The Trump administration is urgently reviewing ways to redirect funds to ensure that military families are not punished for Washington’s dysfunction.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning of growing flight delays as air traffic controllers work without pay. Airports in Burbank and Nashville have already experienced staffing shortages that disrupted travel.

No Breaks Until the Shutdown Ends

Republicans have canceled the Senate’s planned Columbus Day recess to keep lawmakers in Washington until the crisis is resolved. “The American people deserve a functioning government, not political games,” a GOP aide said. “It’s time for Democrats to stop playing politics and start doing their jobs.”

Bottom Line: America Deserves Better

As the shutdown drags on, Democrats continue to block solutions while pushing for massive new government spending. For millions of Americans—especially troops, veterans, and retirees—this standoff shows exactly where Washington’s priorities lie.

While President Trump and Republicans fight to reopen the government and protect taxpayers, Democrats appear content to let Americans suffer for political gain.

The message is clear: Washington Democrats put politics first—and America last.