Senate Fails to Advance Clean CR (51-45) and Defense Appropriations Bill (50-44) Amidst Ongoing Government Shutdown
The Senate convened amidst an ongoing government shutdown, holding two key votes on motions to proceed to funding legislation. A motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution (CR) passed by the House, failed by a vote of 51-45. Subsequently, a motion to proceed to H.R. 4016, the fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill, also failed by a vote of 50-44. These failures mean the government shutdown, now in its 16th day, continues, with no immediate path to reopening or funding the Department of Defense. Additionally, the Senate invoked cloture on one judicial nomination and filed cloture motions on three others.
This chamber-day is significant as it marks the continued legislative stalemate over government funding, directly prolonging the shutdown. The failure to advance both a clean CR and a bipartisan Defense appropriations bill underscores deep divisions regarding the scope and terms of federal funding, particularly the Democratic caucus's demand for addressing expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. The votes highlight the challenges in achieving bipartisan consensus necessary to restore government operations and fund critical services, including military pay.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
H.R. 5371Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes.
The case for
Senator Thune, the Republican whip, argued that H.R. 5371 is a 'clean, nonpartisan CR' that would extend current funding levels for a few weeks without any new Republican policies or partisan riders. He stated that passing this bill would reopen the government and allow for negotiations on full-year appropriations. He also highlighted that the President would sign it into law, ending the shutdown.
The case against
Senator Schumer, the Democratic leader, stated that Republicans were demanding a 'partisan CR that has zero bipartisan input, zero conversation, and, frankly, zero relief for so many Americans who are afflicted by the healthcare crisis.' He argued that the shutdown was due to Republicans' refusal to negotiate on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which, if expired, would cause people's premiums to 'spike by tens of thousands.' Senator Durbin reiterated that the shutdown is about the ACA crisis and the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans due to the elimination of tax credits by the 'Big, Beautiful Budget Bill' of President Trump.
Disposition
Motion to proceed · recorded vote
Failed
Yeas 51, Nays 45
Who is affected
- Federal workers: Face continued uncertainty regarding paychecks and employment during the shutdown.
- American citizens reliant on federal services: Experience interruptions in services due to the shutdown.
- Americans with health insurance through the ACA marketplace: Face potential dramatic increases in health insurance premiums if ACA tax credits are not extended, as argued by Democrats.
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 4016Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 136, H.R. 4016, a bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.
The case for
Senator Thune emphasized that the bill would fund the Department of Defense, secure paychecks for troops, and defend the country. Senator Collins highlighted that the bill is vital to national defense, the well-being of servicemembers, and strengthening the defense industrial base. She noted it would invest $852 billion, expand shipyards, munitions production, and fund cutting-edge technologies, while also providing a better quality of life for military families. She also pointed out that the Senate version passed the Appropriations Committee with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 26-3.
The case against
Senator Thune stated that Democrats blocked the bill because 'voting to proceed with the defense bill relinquishes some of the party's leverage.' Senator Coons, while acknowledging the bipartisan nature and importance of the Senate's Defense appropriations bill, stated he would vote no on proceeding to the House Defense bill due to a breakdown of trust and the need for a broader package addressing healthcare and other priorities. He indicated a desire for a comprehensive agreement that rejects severe cuts to programs like NIH and CDC and restores funding for WIC and rural housing, linking the Defense bill's advancement to these broader concerns.
Disposition
Motion to proceed · recorded vote
Failed
Yeas 50, Nays 44
Who is affected
- Military servicemembers and their families: Face continued uncertainty regarding paychecks and funding for military operations and support services during the shutdown.
- Defense industrial base: Experiences delays and uncertainty in funding for shipbuilding, munitions production, and technological investments.
- U.S. national security interests and allies: Potential weakening of deterrence capabilities and support for allies due to delayed funding.
Motion to Proceed to Clean Continuing Resolution Fails
highA motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution that would extend current funding levels for a few weeks, failed in the Senate by a vote of 51-45. Republicans argued this bill offered a straightforward path to reopen the government without partisan riders, while Democrats maintained their refusal to pass it without addressing the looming healthcare crisis related to expiring ACA tax credits.
Motion to Proceed to Defense Appropriations Bill Fails
highA motion to proceed to H.R. 4016, the fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill, failed by a vote of 50-44. This bill had previously passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with strong bipartisan support (26-3). Republicans emphasized its importance for military pay and national defense, while Democrats, despite supporting the underlying bill, blocked its advancement to maintain leverage for a broader appropriations agreement that includes healthcare provisions.
Ongoing Government Shutdown Enters 16th Day
highThe failures to advance both a continuing resolution and a Defense appropriations bill mean the federal government shutdown, which began 16 days prior, continues. This prolongs the interruption of government services and uncertainty for federal workers, with leaders from both parties attributing blame for the impasse.
Cloture Invoked on Judicial Nomination
mediumThe Senate successfully invoked cloture on the nomination of Harold D. Mooty III to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, by a vote of 62-34, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote.