The US government shutdown continues, entering its third day with no immediate end in sight. The Senate failed to reach a spending bill agreement before Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day, further delaying progress. While the Senate floor was open on Thursday, no vote took place due to the holiday. The next vote is scheduled for Friday, but prospects for success appear dim.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that a weekend vote is “unlikely,” suggesting the shutdown will likely extend into next week. Both Republican and Democratic spending bills have failed to garner the necessary 60 votes to pass, with senators largely voting along party lines.
Adding to the complexity, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the House of Representatives is working on a new bill to present to the Senate next week. This comes amid reports of growing unease among some Republicans regarding the Trump administration's threats to weaponize the shutdown politically.
Specifically, concerns are rising about potential job cuts targeting federal workers. Initially, Senator Mike Lee downplayed concerns, while Speaker Johnson suggested the cuts were being done reluctantly.
Trump has tasked Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, with identifying “Democrat Agencies” for cuts. This approach has sparked concern among some Republicans, with Senator Kevin Cramer being especially blunt about his reservations. The administration's willingness to use the shutdown as leverage to implement specific political agendas seems to be causing internal friction.
Republicans are actively trying to sway individual legislators. They currently hold 53 Senate seats compared to the Democrats' 45. Independents Angus King and Bernie Sanders typically vote with the Democrats, but their support is not guaranteed. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and King previously voted in favour of a Republican deal, citing concerns that a shutdown would cause more harm than good.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant disruption to government services and the livelihoods of federal employees. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached to end the shutdown and avert further economic and social consequences.