Breaking News: Live Updates on Senate Negotiations to End Government Shutdown

Walking away from a meeting, Senator Thune mentioned the Senate might work through the weekend if there’s progress on a deal. He said, “It depends on what happens. If we see a way to vote—whether that’s today, tomorrow, or Saturday—we’ll stay and make it happen.”

The current plan ties a government reopening vote to three spending bills. It also promises a future vote on extending health care tax credits. Republicans are hopeful that some Democrats will accept this offer to break the deadlock.

Thune made it clear he can’t promise any specific outcome for Democrats regarding health care tax credits. However, he assured them they would at least have a chance to vote. “The Democrats should have a say. We can open up the government and then discuss this with the president,” he said. He stressed the urgency of ending the current stalemate.

When asked about Democratic support for reopening the government, Thune noted he believes there are Democrats who want to act responsibly. “They face a lot of pressure from their party, but I think there’s a group willing to find a solution,” he added.

Recent surveys show that public frustration is rising with legislative gridlock. According to a poll by Gallup, around 68% of Americans feel lawmakers are not doing enough to resolve issues. This suggests that both Republicans and Democrats may face increasing pressure from their constituents to reach an agreement.

Interestingly, historical comparisons can be drawn from past government shutdowns. In 1995–96, similar deadlocks led to a 21-day shutdown, which caused significant disruption. The public response then was similarly critical, suggesting today’s tensions in Congress echo those past struggles.

As discussions continue, it’s clear that finding common ground is crucial. The coming days will show if lawmakers can move past party lines and prioritize the needs of the country.



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