Schumer Blocks, Senate Democrats once again halted a Republican effort to reopen the government on Tuesday, marking the 13th failed attempt to end the shutdown as it entered its 28th day. The stalemate continues to stretch federal workers thin, with air traffic controllers missing their first paycheck and other critical deadlines fast approaching. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota attempted to move forward with the House-passed continuing resolution, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and his Democratic caucus blocked the measure. The impasse leaves millions of Americans in limbo as essential services face growing disruptions.
The pressure is mounting. Military personnel are set to miss their first full payday by Friday, and federal nutrition benefits could be jeopardized by Saturday. That same day, open enrollment begins nationwide for Obamacare, another political flashpoint dividing Congress. Behind closed doors, Republicans have debated introducing several targeted bills aimed at paying specific groups, including troops, federal workers, air traffic controllers, and recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, the chances of these one-off bills reaching the Senate floor remain uncertain. Thune dismissed the idea of pursuing what he called piecemeal or isolated funding efforts, emphasizing that lawmakers need to find a comprehensive solution. He told reporters that most senators agree the only way to end the standoff is to fully reopen the government.
Schumer Blocks GOP Effort to Reopen Government as Workers Miss Pay
Some Republicans, however, remain hopeful their narrower proposals could gain traction. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has sponsored legislation to pay air traffic controllers, while Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has pushed a broader plan to compensate both working federal employees and military personnel. Johnson’s bill was blocked last week but may be reconsidered in the coming days. Johnson has been working with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland on a compromise version of his legislation, though optimism remains low. Johnson argued that federal employees should not be punished for political dysfunction in Washington and proposed making the pay protections permanent. He noted that disputes over presidential authority related to such measures could be settled in court, if necessary. Meanwhile, Schumer used his floor remarks to attack Republicans and the White House, blaming President Donald Trump’s absence during an overseas trip for the lack of progress. The Senate Minority Leader accused the GOP of bringing the same failed bill back to the floor instead of negotiating meaningful changes. Schumer Blocks
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Schumer reiterated that Democrats would only agree to reopen the government as part of a broader deal that includes protections for Obamacare subsidies. He argued that the Republican proposal was partisan and failed to address the real issues driving the crisis. According to Schumer, Democrats are standing with the majority of Americans who want lower healthcare costs and a stable government. As the political gridlock drags on, federal workers, military families, and millions of citizens continue to bear the brunt of Washington’s ongoing standoff. Schumer Blocks
Source: fox news
