Government Shutdown Stalemate: Trump Pushes for Filibuster End Amid Rising Tensions

Mon Nov 03 2025 09:44:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown enters its sixth week, President Trump urges Republicans to end the Senate filibuster while Democrats hold firm on health care negotiations, impacting millions of Americans.

The ongoing government shutdown is now entering its sixth week, with no sign of resolution as President Trump pressures Republican leaders to dismantle the Senate filibuster amid ongoing negotiations with Democrats. The shutdown has potential repercussions for food assistance programs affecting millions of Americans. Trump contends that Republicans must ‘get tough’ while Democrats resist, staying unified against reopening the government without guarantees on health care subsidies. With increasing public hardships and uncertainties, the congressional standoff threatens to become one of the longest in U.S. history.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its sixth week, leaving Republicans and Democrats at an impasse over funding issues. President Trump has urged Republican leaders to reconsider Senate rules, particularly the filibuster, which requires 60 votes to bypass objections in the Senate.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump is pushing for an end to the filibuster to facilitate the reopening of the government, claiming that Democrats are being uncooperative and labeling them as ‘crazed.’ Trump contends that it’s essential for Republicans to act decisively to do right by the American public.

Amidst this political standoff, about 42 million Americans receiving SNAP benefits could be significantly affected, with potential delays or suspension of food aid, highlighting the immediate consequences of the shutdown.

In Congress, Democrats have voted against reopening the government 13 times, preferring to negotiate health care subsidies that will lapse at the year’s end. This resistance poses a challenge for Republicans who need bipartisan support to end the shutdown. Tensions are rising as federal workers face ongoing delays and pay issues, exacerbating the already critical situation on the ground.

In the coming days, key talks are anticipated between moderate Democrats and Republicans as the pressure mounts to reach an agreement. The outcome may depend on whether enough Democrats are willing to compromise over health care discussions in exchange for an end to the shutdown.