NP
Washington – The US Senate on Monday failed for the fifth time to pass bills that would reopen the government, deepening the ongoing shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without pay.
Both Democratic and Republican spending proposals fell short of the 60 votes required for approval. The Democratic led bill to extend government funding failed first, with a 45–50 vote, followed by the Republican version, which was rejected 52–42.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump warned that another failed vote could lead to mass layoffs, as several federal agencies have been unfunded for five days. Despite his warning, Trump suggested he was willing to negotiate with Democrats to end the stalemate, hinting at a possible compromise on healthcare provisions.
After the vote, Trump blamed Democrats for the shutdown, posting on his Truth Social account: “I am happy to work with the Democrats on their failed healthcare policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our government to reopen. In fact, they should open our government tonight!”
Democrats have refused to back the Republican bill, saying it weakens access to healthcare for low income Americans. They are demanding that any funding measure include extensions of health insurance subsidies and restore cuts to Medicaid made under the Trump administration.
Republicans, however, accuse Democrats of blocking the bill to protect benefits for undocumented immigrants, a claim Democratic leaders deny. They insist that healthcare issues can be debated separately once the government is reopened.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said discussions with Democratic leaders were underway. “We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things regarding healthcare,” he said. But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer quickly dismissed the claim on X, posting “THIS ISN’T TRUE.”
The White House has warned that permanent layoffs may soon begin if the shutdown continues. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Office of Management and Budget is coordinating with agencies preparing for staff cuts. “We don’t want to see people laid off, but if this shutdown continues, layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence,” she said, urging Democrats to agree to reopen the government.
Meanwhile, both parties continue to trade blame. In separate interviews on NBC’s Meet the Press, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of “lying” about Democrats’ intentions, while House Speaker Mike Johnson said Democrats were “not serious” and negotiating “in bad faith.”
