Senate Fails to End Government Shutdown with Repeated Cloture Votes on Funding Bills, Invokes Cloture on En Bloc Nominations
The Senate convened for its sixth day amidst a government shutdown, primarily focusing on attempts to pass continuing resolutions (CRs) to reopen federal operations. Both a Democratic-sponsored CR (S. 2882) and a House-passed CR (H.R. 5371) failed to advance, as cloture motions on both measures were rejected. Senators engaged in extensive debate regarding the shutdown's causes, its impact on American citizens and federal employees, and the policy demands from both parties, particularly concerning healthcare subsidies and border security. Additionally, the Senate successfully invoked cloture on a large package of executive nominations, setting them up for future consideration.
This chamber-day was significant as it marked continued legislative gridlock on government funding, with both parties failing to garner sufficient support for their respective proposals to end the shutdown. The repeated failures to invoke cloture underscore the deep divisions preventing a resolution to the funding impasse, directly impacting federal workers and services. The invocation of cloture on a substantial number of nominations, however, represents a procedural step forward for the administration's personnel agenda, despite the broader legislative stalemate.
Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2026
S. 2882Question before the chamber
Cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2882, a bill making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
The case for
Senator Schumer argued that the government shutdown was due to Republican refusal to negotiate and that the Democratic proposal would reopen the government and extend critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. He emphasized that the ACA credits are vital for lowering healthcare costs for millions of Americans, citing polls showing broad public support for their extension. He also stated that the Republican claims about the Democratic proposal providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants were false, as current law and the proposal do not allow for it.
The case against
Senator Thune and Senator Barrasso argued that the Democratic proposal was partisan and that Democrats were holding the government hostage over their demands. Senator Barrasso specifically criticized the extension of COVID-era insurance subsidies as a costly, permanent new spending that would amount to $350 billion over the next decade, benefiting big insurance companies and even high-income families. He also accused Democrats of seeking to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants, citing past statements by Democratic candidates and California's experience.
Disposition
Cloture motion rejected · recorded vote
The motion to proceed to S. 2882 failed to garner the necessary three-fifths vote, preventing its consideration and contributing to the ongoing government shutdown.
45-50
Who is affected
- Federal employees: Continued to be unpaid due to the ongoing shutdown.
- Americans relying on ACA subsidies: Faced uncertainty and potential increases in healthcare premiums if the subsidies are not extended.
- Taxpayers: Potentially burdened by the cost of extending ACA subsidies, as argued by opponents.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions for Fiscal Year 2026
H.R. 5371Question before the chamber
Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.
The case for
Senator Thune and Senator Cornyn argued that H.R. 5371 was a clean, nonpartisan funding extension that had already passed the House with bipartisan support. They urged Democrats to vote for it to reopen the government, highlighting the negative impact of the shutdown on federal civilian employees, military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and critical services like food aid programs and air traffic control. Senator Barrasso also stated that the Republican bill closed a loophole that allowed for healthcare for illegal immigrants and ended gimmicks used by states like California to fund such healthcare through federal Medicaid payments.
The case against
Senator Schumer reiterated that the government shutdown was due to President Trump and Speaker Johnson's refusal to negotiate on healthcare costs. He criticized the Republican approach as delaying solutions and denied that the Democratic proposal would provide healthcare benefits to undocumented immigrants, calling such claims 'a blatant lie.' He emphasized the need to address the looming crisis of rising healthcare premiums for millions of Americans.
Disposition
Cloture motion rejected · recorded vote
The motion to proceed to H.R. 5371 failed to garner the necessary three-fifths vote, preventing its consideration and ensuring the continuation of the government shutdown.
52-42
Who is affected
- Federal civilian employees: Continued to work without pay or were furloughed due to the shutdown.
- Military personnel: Required to report for duty without pay during the shutdown.
- Border Patrol agents: Required to work without pay, impacting their livelihood while performing essential duties.
- Low-income Americans: Threatened with disruptions to food-aid programs like WIC due to funding lapses.
- Air travelers and national park visitors: Experienced disruptions to services and access due to the shutdown.
- Illegal immigrants: Would be ineligible for certain taxpayer-funded healthcare under the Republican proposal, a point of contention.
Senate Fails to Advance Democratic Continuing Resolution
highA cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S. 2882, a Democratic-sponsored bill to provide continuing appropriations, was rejected by a vote of 45-50. Proponents argued for reopening the government and extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, while opponents criticized the bill as partisan and costly.
Senate Rejects House-Passed Continuing Resolution, Prolonging Shutdown
highA cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a clean, House-passed continuing resolution, also failed by a vote of 52-42. Republicans urged Democrats to support the bill to reopen the government, emphasizing its nonpartisan nature. Democrats, however, maintained their opposition, citing concerns over healthcare provisions and alleged cuts.
Cloture Invoked on En Bloc Nominations
mediumThe Senate successfully invoked cloture on an en bloc package of 109 executive nominations by a vote of 50-45. This procedural step allows for a vote on the confirmation of these nominees at a later time, advancing the administration's appointments despite the ongoing legislative disputes.
Senators Debate Shutdown Impact and Administration Actions
mediumFloor speeches highlighted the real-world consequences of the government shutdown, including unpaid federal workers and threatened food aid programs. Senators also discussed broader administration policies, such as tariffs affecting agriculture and the deployment of federal agents in American cities, drawing sharp criticism from some members.