The latest US government shutdown: 11th Senate vote fails after 'No Kings' protests across America

The United States entered the 20th day of its government shutdown on Monday after the Senate again failed to advance a funding resolution, marking the 11th unsuccessful vote amid rising political tensions and nationwide protests. The 50-43 vote fell short of the threshold needed to end the impasse, extending one of the longest government shutdowns in US history. What caused the latest failure of the Senate? The impasse still hinges on a dispute over health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which is expected to expire by the end of the year. Senate Democrats refused to back the House’s continuing resolution, demanding that it include provisions extending the subsidies. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the chamber closed in an extended recess, arguing that this strategy would pressure Senate Democrats to pass the House bill “without policy additions.” Johnson, who appeared at a press conference with Republican leaders, including House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, dismissed Democratic opposition as politically motivated. “This is exactly why Chuck Schumer is faltering in this whole charade. We’ve made it clear from the beginning, the shutdown is about one thing and one thing alone: ​​Chuck Schumer’s political survival,” Johnson said. The comments came after a weekend of “No Kings” protests, where millions of protesters across the country denounced authoritarianism and political corruption. How do Republicans respond to internal criticism? Despite Johnson’s insistence that the strategy will succeed, there are cracks in the Republican ranks. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene openly criticized the speaker’s approach and called on the House to resume work immediately. “The House must work in session,” Greene wrote on X. “We should finish appropriations. Our committees should work. We should pass bills that make President Trump’s executive orders permanent. I have no respect for the decision to refuse to work.” Her comments, which reflected frustration within the party’s right wing, underscored growing unease over an extended congressional recess that has left the House vacant since Sept. 19. How long could the US government shutdown last? The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, is now the longest full government shutdown in U.S. history and will soon become the second-longest overall if it continues beyond Tuesday. Only the 35-day partial shutdown during Donald Trump’s presidency (2018–19) lasted longer. The economic and administrative consequences are deepened. On Monday, the Energy Department’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) began laying off about 1,400 federal employees, many of whom are responsible for maintaining and modernizing the US nuclear arsenal. A spokesman for the department confirmed that Energy Minister Chris Wright will address the furlough later in the day in a press conference in Las Vegas. What are the broader effects of the US government shutdown? The federal workforce is bearing the brunt of the crisis. Senate staff have been informed that they will no longer receive pay for the duration of the shutdown. At the same time, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defended its decision to pause more than $11 billion in projects under the Army Corps of Engineers, citing the need to “reorient federal funding.” Transport problems are also increasing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported longer-than-usual wait times at major airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, as staff shortages widened due to workers calling in sick or seeking temporary work. Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the leave at the NNSA, arguing that “the decision undermines national security”. What are the political reactions in Washington? Kevin Hassett, the White House economic adviser, expressed cautious optimism on CNBC, suggesting that the gretlock may end soon. “I think the [Senate minority leader Chuck] Schumer’s shutdown is likely to end sometime this week,” Hassett said. He speculated that some Democrats have delayed negotiations until after the “No Kings” protests, which have drawn millions of protesters nationwide. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Whip John Thune has introduced a bill to pay federal workers affected by the shutdown. trick to pick and choose select” what employees receive and pay. “It seems to be more like a political ploy to choose which employees get paid,” Jeffries said. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville also opposed the idea, arguing that paying workers now would “take the pressure off lawmakers to negotiate a way out of the shutdown.” What else happened in Washington today? Despite the ongoing impasse, President Donald Trump hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, where the two leaders signed a rare minerals deal aimed at strengthening cooperation between the US and Australia on critical supply chains – a move that could raise tensions with China. Separately, an appeals court granted the administration permission to deploy National Guard troops in Portland, a ruling applauded by Trump. officials as a “significant victory” in their ongoing legal battle over executive authority. Where does the US government shutdown go from here? With each failed vote, the path to reopening the government becomes more uncertain. Lawmakers face mounting pressure from federal workers, contractors and the public as the effects of prolonged inaction ripple across the economy. The score of 50-43 – with no new defectors from the Democratic side – highlights how deep-rooted the political divide has become. As the shutdown threatens to eclipse historical records, Washington remains at an impasse. For now, the message from Capitol Hill is clear: the gridlock continues, the protests are intensifying and the nation is waiting.