Could the longest government shutdown in American history finally be nearing its end? Senators on both sides are buzzing with cautious hope that a resolution might emerge before the week is out.
As this 35-day impasse ties the record for the most prolonged shutdown in U.S. history, some lawmakers predict a breakthrough could come as early as Thursday, according to NBC News. Bipartisan talks among rank-and-file members have gained traction after weeks of deadlock, fueling the first glimmers of optimism.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., expressed confidence, saying, “I think there’s a possibility we could do it tomorrow night ... but more than likely Thursday.” While his prediction sounds promising, it hinges on Democrats breaking ranks after Tuesday’s elections, a calculation that reeks of political gamesmanship over genuine concern for federal workers sitting idle.
Mullin suggested some Democrats privately signaled last week they’d support a short-term Republican spending bill to reopen the government through Nov. 21. Yet, he claimed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer instructed them to hold off until after the elections to avoid dampening liberal voter turnout.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., echoed this frustration, stating, “After the elections come and go, I think the Democrats will reveal what this was about all the time, which was a political play.” If true, this delay tactic prioritizes partisan optics over the livelihoods of countless Americans caught in the crossfire of this shutdown.
Centrist voices like Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who’s been part of bipartisan discussions, remain hopeful despite the gridlock. He repeatedly noted he’s “optimistic” a deal could materialize soon, though the clock is ticking with Thanksgiving looming.
Democrats have dug in, refusing to back the House-passed continuing resolution without addressing expiring health insurance subsidies. With premiums set to spike for millions, they argue any funding bill must tackle this looming crisis.
Republicans, however, insist on reopening the government first before negotiating health care issues. Their stance, backed by 14 Senate votes to block the clean funding bill, reflects a belief that Democrats are holding federal operations hostage to push a broader agenda.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Susan Collins, R-Maine, offered a sliver of hope, noting “a lot of conversations on both sides of the aisle” with newfound “specificity” in talks. Still, she cautioned it’s premature to declare the ordeal over, a sober reminder of how fragile these negotiations remain.
With Nov. 21 approaching, Collins supports a new continuing resolution extending funding to Dec. 19 to force a spending deal before the holidays. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., however, resists a December deadline, wary of rushed omnibus packages that lack proper scrutiny.
Johnson prefers pushing funding into January, a timeline backed by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and others in the GOP. This disagreement within Republican ranks shows even a temporary fix won’t come without internal friction.
Across the aisle, Democrats like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., see “some indication of a thaw” but no clear path forward. Their push to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies remains a sticking point, with no sign Republicans are ready to budge.
As the shutdown nears five weeks, the human toll grows for federal employees and those relying on shuttered services. Bipartisan talks may be picking up, but the lack of leadership-level negotiations with Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., casts doubt on a swift end.
Schumer’s floor speech Tuesday, claiming Democrats are battling to prevent health care costs from doubling for 24 million Americans, frames this as a moral stand. Yet, holding the entire government ransom over one policy fight feels less like principle and more like a refusal to prioritize the immediate needs of struggling citizens.
The coming days will test whether senators’ predictions hold true or if this shutdown drags on into another bitter chapter. For now, Americans watch as Washington’s chess game continues, hoping for a move that finally puts people over politics.
