🏛️ Senate Struggles to End Historic Shutdown

As of November 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate has failed 14 times to pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. The shutdown, which began on October 1, is now the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 35-day closure in 2019.

Key sticking points include:

• Cuts to Medicaid and healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act

• Democratic opposition to any bill that doesn’t restore these programs

• Republican insistence on budget reductions and entitlement reform

  
  

Despite bipartisan talks gaining momentum, no compromise has emerged. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a vote on November 7 “doesn’t make sense” due to insufficient support.

✈️ Shutdown Fallout: Flights, Food, and Federal Workers

The shutdown’s impact is growing:

• Flight cuts: A 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports was announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, starting this weekend.

• Food benefits: SNAP and WIC programs are in limbo, affecting millions of families.

• Federal workers: Thousands remain furloughed or unpaid, with agencies operating on skeleton crews.

  
  

🔮 When Will It End?

Betting markets suggest the shutdown may continue until at least November 16, with no clear resolution in sight. President Donald Trump has urged senators to remain in Washington until a deal is reached.

🗳️ What’s Next?

Senators are expected to reconvene early next week for another vote. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from:

• Airlines and travel groups, warning of holiday disruptions

• Healthcare advocates, demanding restoration of Medicaid funding

• Public protests, calling for an end to political gridlock