WASHINGTON — Senators from both parties convened for a rare weekend session on Saturday, marking the first such effort since the partial government shutdown began over a month ago, as they grappled with a deepening impasse that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and essential services in disarray. The shutdown, now in its 39th day, stems from a partisan standoff over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year's end, with Republicans rejecting Democratic proposals and both sides searching for a breakthrough amid mounting public pressure.
The session comes as airlines have canceled flights due to staffing shortages, millions of Americans face delays in SNAP food benefits, and other programs like veterans' services hang in the balance. According to Senate leaders, the weekend work aims to forge a bipartisan resolution, but deep divisions persist. Republicans dismissed an offer from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year extension of health care subsidies, with Senate Majority Whip John Thune labeling it a “nonstarter.”
Schumer's proposal sought to address the looming expiration of tax credits that have helped millions afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, credits expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but due to end on December 31. Democrats argue that without an extension, premiums could double or triple for many, exacerbating economic hardships. “We're working on it,” said New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is spearheading talks among a group of moderate Democrats, after acknowledging the need for an alternative path following the rejection.
Meanwhile, a small cadre of moderate Democrats, numbering around 10 to 12 senators, has been negotiating with some Republican counterparts on a potential deal. The emerging proposal involves passing a series of spending bills to fund specific government sectors—such as food aid, veterans programs, and the legislative branch—while extending overall funding until December or January. These bills, the product of ongoing bipartisan negotiations even during the shutdown, would replace a House-passed measure that Democrats have voted down 14 times since the impasse began on September 30.
However, the deal's sticking point remains health care. Republicans have signaled openness to the funding package but only with a promise of a future vote on subsidies, rather than an immediate guarantee of extension. Many Democrats view this as insufficient. “Without something on health care, the vote is very unlikely to succeed,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, following a Democratic caucus meeting on Thursday.
President Donald Trump has injected himself into the fray, urging Republicans during a White House breakfast on Wednesday to end the shutdown swiftly and eliminate the Senate filibuster, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. “I am totally in favor of terminating the filibuster, and we would be back to work within 10 minutes after that vote took place,” Trump stated on Friday. Yet, GOP leaders like Thune have rebuffed this idea, preferring to pursue a bipartisan approach that echoes the moderates' framework.
Some Republicans express willingness to extend the subsidies to prevent premium spikes for millions, but they insist on new eligibility limits. “We have had really good discussions with a lot of the Democrats,” said South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, highlighting the potential for compromise. Republicans need just five additional Democratic votes to advance funding legislation, given their slim majority.
“People ‘cast their vote against Trumpism,’” said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats. “And part of that vote was to say to Democrats, ‘Hold tight, do not cave in, do not force us to pay double or triple for the health care premiums.’”
Sanders' comments reflect broader Democratic resolve following their strong showing in the November midterm elections, where they gained seats in the House and maintained Senate influence. He and others argue that caving without firm health care commitments would betray voter mandates. The shutdown's toll is evident: over 800,000 federal employees have missed paychecks, with some turning to food banks or gig work. The Transportation Security Administration has reported higher absenteeism, leading to flight cancellations at major airports like those in New York and Atlanta.
In a related development, a federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, rebuking delays that left recipients in some states waiting while others received aid. The ruling, stemming from a lawsuit by advocacy groups, underscores the humanitarian crisis amplified by the shutdown. “Judge orders Trump administration to fund full SNAP benefits, rebukes Trump,” noted court updates, highlighting the administration's initial plan to prorate payments.
As negotiations continue, Thune has indicated that a test vote on new legislation could occur in the coming days, potentially by mid-next week. The current funding extension in the stalled House bill runs only until November 21, a deadline fast approaching after six weeks of gridlock. Democrats face a pivotal decision: prolong the shutdown to demand concrete health care action or accept a reopen-and-vote-later deal, risking unfulfilled promises.
Background on the shutdown traces back to late September, when Congress failed to pass a full-year spending bill amid disputes over policy riders, including the health subsidies. The Affordable Care Act credits, expanded in 2021 as part of pandemic relief, have subsidized premiums for about 20 million Americans, according to health policy experts. Their expiration could lead to an average premium increase of $700 annually per enrollee, per estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Republicans, controlling both chambers narrowly after the midterms, have prioritized fiscal restraint, arguing that unlimited subsidies contribute to inflation. Democrats counter that the extensions are vital for working families, especially post-pandemic. The weekend session, convened in the Capitol Building, represents a shift from prior weekends when senators recessed, allowing the stalemate to fester.
Looking ahead, if no deal emerges by Monday, the shutdown could eclipse the 35-day record set in 2018-2019 under Trump. Broader implications include economic drag, with S&P Global estimating a $6 billion weekly hit to GDP. Public opinion polls, such as those from Pew Research, show blame split but tilting toward Republicans, potentially influencing 2026 midterms.
As senators huddle through Sunday, the path forward remains murky. Shaheen's group continues internal deliberations, while leaders like Schumer and Thune exchange barbs. With millions affected—from furloughed workers to benefit recipients—the urgency is palpable, yet resolution hinges on bridging the health care divide in a deeply polarized Congress.