The partial shutdown of the United States federal government persists as lawmakers remain trapped in a deadlock, with Republicans and Democrats blocking each other’s stopgap spending bills for a second consecutive day.
On Wednesday, the US Senate voted down competing proposals, resulting in margins that mirrored the failed efforts of the previous day, neither of which managed to avert the ongoing shutdown.
In a split vote, the Senate rejected the Republican proposal intended to extend government funding until November 21, with a tally of 55-45.
Despite the bipartisan support from two Democrats—John Fetterman from Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada—as well as independent Angus King from Maine, the bill failed to garner the necessary votes.
Conversely, the Democrats’ alternative legislation, which aimed to tie government funding extensions to an increase in healthcare spending of approximately $1.5 trillion, also fell short with 53 votes in favor and 47 against, facing unanimous opposition from Republican senators.
As the impasse continues, President Donald Trump has begun to fulfill his promise of holding Democrats accountable for the shutdown, which has resulted in the suspension of various government services and has compelled essential employees to work without pay, relying on the assurance of future compensation.
Russell T Vought, the White House budget director, announced a freeze of $26 billion in infrastructure funds targeted for Democratic-led states.
During a press conference, Vought revealed that $18 billion allocated for transportation projects within New York City would be withheld, dismissing it as being premised on unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which are often criticized by conservative factions.
Moreover, $8 billion designated for “Green New Scam funding” across 16 states, including California, Washington, and Hawaii, was also canceled, indicating a firm stance from the administration.
Officials within the Trump administration have hinted at intending to proceed with mass layoffs as a tactic to leverage the ongoing shutdown.
Vice President JD Vance addressed the matter during a briefing at the White House, stating, “We are going to have to lay people off. We’re going to have to save money in some places so the essential services don’t get turned off in other places.”
The economic impact of the shutdown is already being felt, as commented on by Stephanie Leiser, a public policy lecturer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.
Leiser noted, “While everyone waits to see how the politics will play out and who the biggest losers and winners will be, we also need to remember that the uncertainty is already costing us in terms of delayed investment/spending, higher borrowing costs, depletion of reserves, administrative burdens.”
With the shutdown now in its second day, both sides are showing little inclination towards compromise.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of using the American public as pawns, implying that the President’s actions amounted to blackmail.
He emphasized that the Democratic push to extend healthcare subsidies and reverse cuts to Medicaid—the provisions outlined in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act—were aligned with public demand for stability and support.
Schumer stated, “Nothing more. Nothing less. They want us to sit down and negotiate something real that takes this huge burden off their shoulders.”
On the other hand, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune blamed the ongoing stalemate on the Democrats, remarking on X, “They have lost all rationale when it comes to their hatred for President Trump. I hope Democrats will come to their senses and reopen the government.”
As negotiations remain stalled, the likelihood of a swift resolution to the government shutdown appears increasingly dim, leaving countless federal employees and vital services in limbo.
image source from：aljazeera
