The United States government shutdown reached its 36th day on Wednesday, officially becoming the longest in the nation’s history. This breaks the record of 35 days that was previously reached during 2019 while also under the administration of President Donald Trump. The shutdown has disrupted federal services and delayed flights due to air traffic controller shortages.
Many Americans have been affected by missed paychecks, halted operations and growing uncertainty. The prolonged impasse has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with pressure mounting for a resolution.
Trump’s Push to Conclude the Standoff
President Trump convened Senate Republicans on Wednesday morning for a breakfast meeting at the White House. Among the topics discussed was his proposal that legislators get rid of that rule, the filibuster which requires a 60 vote threshold for most legislation to advance. That could allow Republicans to pass funding measures alone without a Democratic vote.
We need to get the government back open very soon and really, really immediately,” Trump said to the group’s members. His appeal reflects the growing frustration of the GOP over repeated failures to find a way to reopen the government with a House approved bill that has been rejected by the Senate at least 14 times. There is no scheduled vote on the measure.
Signals Emerging of a Possible Deal
Despite the deadlock, some senators sounded a note of cautious optimism that a deal might be reached sometime within the week. Talks in Capitol Hill have commenced regarding the outlines of a possible compromise. Republican lawmakers are of the belief that Democratic leaders will gladly relax their stand on the possibility of negotiations following the off year elections invalidating Democratic endorsed political leaders in various states electorally including New York, New Jersey and Virginia.
Increased public frustration has been rising as the shutdown continues. Citizens have demanded bipartisan cooperation and rapid action toward restoration of normalcy. Advocacy groups and local governments have stepped in to give assistance where federal aid has faltered.
Conclusion
With the shutdown now in its sixth week, a flurry of pressure is beginning to grow on lawmakers. President Trump’s meeting with Senate Republicans marks fresh momentum to try and break the stalemate. Whether the filibuster will be scrapped or there will be a bipartisan agreement remains to be seen.
