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President Trump Blames Record Shutdown for GOP Election Losses, Demands Filibuster End
President Donald Trump lashed out at Senate Republicans on Wednesday, urging them to end the government shutdown that has now reached 36 days, setting a new record for the longest federal closure in U.S. history. Trump blamed the impasse for his party’s defeats in Tuesday’s closely-watched off-year elections, which saw Democrats sweep governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the New York City mayoral race.
“It’s a big factor, negative,” Trump said of the shutdown’s impact on Tuesday’s elections. During a breakfast meeting with Republican senators at the White House, he called on GOP lawmakers to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule as a way to bypass Democratic opposition and force government reopening.
“It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do, and that’s terminate the filibuster,” Trump told the senators. The rule requires a 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation, which has allowed the Democratic minority to block funding bills despite Republicans’ 53-47 Senate majority.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune quickly dismissed the president’s demand, saying changing the filibuster “does not have support” and is “not happening” among Senate Republicans.
Meanwhile, emboldened by their election victories, Democrats hardened their position. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said, “The election results ought to send a much needed bolt of lightning to Donald Trump that he should meet with us to end this crisis.”
The impasse has created deepening disruptions nationwide. Federal workers continue working without paychecks, government programs face cuts, and flight delays have increased. Officials warn of worsening conditions, with the Federal Aviation Administration announcing it will reduce air traffic in major markets beginning Friday due to staffing shortages.
Trump’s approach to this shutdown contrasts sharply with his first term, when the government closed for 35 days over his demands for border wall funding. During that 2019 shutdown, Trump actively engaged in public negotiations with congressional leaders before eventually relenting. This time, the president has largely stayed out of direct talks, maintaining a busy schedule of travel and events, including visits to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called the shutdown a “sad landmark” at a Wednesday news conference but dismissed his party’s election losses. He insisted Democrats must drop their demands regarding health care funding until after the government reopens.
Central to the standoff is funding for Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being distributed, millions of Americans face skyrocketing costs. The enhanced federal subsidies, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, have made health insurance affordable for many who will now struggle to maintain coverage when the subsidies expire.
A bipartisan group of centrist senators has intensified talks toward ending the shutdown. They’re working on a smaller package of widely supported funding bills for areas like agricultural programs and military construction projects. Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their health care proposal as part of any deal to reopen government.
However, Democrats remain skeptical about whether Trump would honor any agreement, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food assistance despite court orders ensuring funds remained available to prevent hunger.
“It would be very strange for the American people to have weighed in, in support of Democrats standing up and fighting for them, and within days for us to surrender without having achieved any of the things that we’ve been fighting for,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
As the crisis continues, essential services from food aid to child care funding face serious disruptions. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain furloughed or are working without pay.
“Can this be over now?” Thune asked reporters after returning from the White House breakfast. “Have the American people suffered enough?”
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16 Comments
The filibuster rule is a contentious issue, with valid arguments on both sides. While it can contribute to legislative gridlock, it also serves as an important safeguard for the minority party. Finding the right balance is crucial for effective governance.
You make a good point. The filibuster is a complex issue without a simple solution. Lawmakers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before considering any changes that could have far-reaching consequences.
The shutdown’s effect on Tuesday’s elections is an interesting angle. Voters may be frustrated with the dysfunction in Washington and want to see more progress on key issues. This could be a wake-up call for both parties to work towards a resolution.
That’s a fair assessment. Voters often punish the party in power for legislative gridlock. The shutdown could be a factor, but there are likely other complex issues at play as well.
The shutdown’s impact on the economy and public services is concerning. Both parties need to find a way to reopen the government and address the underlying issues. Partisan bickering is not helping anyone at this point.
Agreed. Ultimately, the American people are the ones suffering from the political stalemate. Lawmakers should put the country’s interests first and work towards a pragmatic solution.
The prolonged government shutdown is concerning, and both parties need to work together to find a solution. Partisan bickering and finger-pointing are not helping the American people. Lawmakers should put aside their differences and focus on the greater good.
I agree. Governing effectively requires compromise and a willingness to find common ground, even when political positions differ. The shutdown has gone on for too long, and voters deserve to see their representatives work together to address pressing issues.
It’s concerning to see the shutdown drag on for so long, setting a new record. The impact on the economy and public services is significant. Both parties need to put aside political posturing and work together to find a compromise solution.
I agree. Prolonged government shutdowns are damaging and should be avoided. Hopefully the legislators can put partisan differences aside and find a way to reopen the government.
It’s interesting that the president is blaming the shutdown for his party’s election losses. While it may have been a factor, there are likely other complex issues at play as well. Voters tend to weigh a wide range of factors when casting their ballots.
That’s a fair observation. The election results reflect the will of the voters, which can be influenced by many different factors beyond just the government shutdown. Oversimplifying the analysis could be misleading.
Eliminating the filibuster is a controversial proposal with valid arguments on both sides. While it may help end the shutdown, it could also have unintended consequences by reducing the minority party’s ability to influence legislation. This is a delicate balance that deserves careful consideration.
You raise a good point. The filibuster can be a double-edged sword, protecting minority rights but also contributing to gridlock. There may be a middle ground that preserves its core function while enabling more effective governing.
The government shutdown is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While the president wants to end it, the Senate filibuster rule is a key safeguard that protects the minority party. This is an important debate that deserves thoughtful discussion, not partisan bickering.
You make a fair point. The filibuster is intended to encourage bipartisanship, but it can also lead to gridlock. Finding the right balance is crucial for effective governance.