A potential end to the weeks-long government shutdown is within sight, with House Speaker Mike Johnson aiming for a vote as early as Wednesday. He urgently called on Republican lawmakers to return to Washington, signaling a compressed timeline before the full legislative week begins. The pressure is on to act swiftly and decisively.
Johnson initially suggested a Wednesday morning vote, but later adjusted the expectation to the afternoon or evening, accommodating lawmakers’ schedules. This shift underscores the delicate balancing act required to secure enough votes and navigate the complexities of the situation. Several members face the challenge of rescheduling Veterans Day events to meet the deadline.
The House will not employ a fast-track procedure that requires a two-thirds majority, a decision likely influenced by strong opposition from House Democrats. This indicates a more traditional, and potentially protracted, path forward for the legislation. The House Rules Committee is poised to review the bill as early as Tuesday, representing a crucial step before a full chamber vote.
A key point of contention for Democrats is the absence of provisions to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. This disagreement highlights a fundamental ideological divide and adds another layer of difficulty to securing bipartisan support. Several Democrats have already declared their opposition to the bill.
If the House succeeds in passing the measure, President Trump could receive a bill to end the shutdown by Wednesday evening. However, the fate of the legislation ultimately rests with the Senate, where the path forward remains uncertain despite a recent breakthrough on Sunday night.
The Senate overcame a filibuster thanks to support from eight Democrats, but numerous procedural hurdles remain. A unanimous agreement to expedite the process could see the package moving quickly, potentially as early as Monday night. Otherwise, the bipartisan plan could face days of stagnation in the upper chamber.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about completing work Monday night, but emphasized the need for continued Democratic cooperation. He acknowledged objections from the left but stressed the importance of moving forward to reopen the government without unnecessary delay.
Senate Democrats have been critical of President Trump and Republicans for the prolonged shutdown, which entered its 41st day on Monday. While a cohesive strategy to obstruct the package remains unclear, some senators report no discussion of objections during a recent caucus meeting. The coming days will reveal whether a compromise can truly be reached.
