Senate Stalemate: GOP Pushes to Resume Government Operations as Democrats Insist on Extending ACA Subsidies

On October 28, 2025, the U.S. government shutdown reached its 24th day after the Senate failed for the 13th time to pass a funding measure, prolonging a standoff that has closed nonessential federal agencies and interrupted vital services. The Senate voted 54-46, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move forward with the Republican-supported "Fiscal Year 2025 Continuing Appropriations and Debt Limit Extension Act," which, according to Lookonchain, would have temporarily funded the government at current levels.

Only three Democrats—Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine)—joined Republicans in favor of the bill.

Democratic lawmakers have refused to support any funding proposal that does not include an extension of the expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are due to lapse in 2025. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned that failing to act before the November open enrollment could result in higher premiums for millions. Republicans, on the other hand, argue that reopening the government must come before any healthcare discussions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) described the Democrats' position as "an obvious decision to put the country before party," echoing Fetterman's remarks that the ongoing impasse is detrimental to the public, according to Fox News.

The consequences of the shutdown are growing more severe. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents, who are required to work without pay, are under increasing strain as flight delays mount. According to USA Today, 53% of delays last week were attributed to controller shortages, though that number dropped to 1% on Monday. Meanwhile, the Pentagon accepted a $130 million anonymous contribution—later identified as coming from Republican donor Timothy Mellon—to help pay military salaries, but this covers only a small portion of the $6.5 billion already redirected from defense budgets, as reported by the Economic Times.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon accepted a $130 million anonymous donation—later revealed to be from Timothy Mellon, a Republican donor—to cover military salaries, though it covers just a fraction of the $6.5 billion already diverted from defense funds, the Economic Times reported President Donald Trump hailed Mellon as a "patriot," while Democrats accused Republicans of shifting responsibility to private donors, Sky News reported

Recipients of SNAP, who depend on monthly food benefits, are facing uncertainty after the USDA announced that November payments would be halted if the shutdown persists. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized the situation, calling it "the first time in U.S. history a president has cut off SNAP benefits," and urged federal officials to protect vulnerable families, as reported by the Cape Cod Times.

With neither side willing to compromise, the shutdown is on track to break the previous record of 34 days set in 2018-2019. Fetterman and others have warned that the nation is "losing" in this partisan conflict, but a resolution does not appear to be in sight, Fox News reported.