Senate Passes Resolutions to Disapprove Alaska Petroleum Reserve Rule (52-45) and Terminate Global Tariffs Emergency (51-47), While Government Funding Impasse Continues
The Senate convened and took several key votes, including the passage of S.J. Res. 80, which disapproved a Bureau of Land Management rule regarding the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and S.J. Res. 88, which terminated a national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. Amidst the 30th day of a government shutdown, a cloture motion was filed on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a continuing appropriations bill, but no vote on the motion to proceed occurred. Debate continued on the shutdown's impact, particularly concerning SNAP benefits and rising healthcare costs.
The passage of S.J. Res. 80 and S.J. Res. 88 represents significant legislative action to reverse executive branch policies on environmental regulation and trade, respectively, demonstrating congressional assertion of authority. The continued impasse on government funding, highlighted by the stalled progress on H.R. 5371, underscores ongoing legislative gridlock with direct and immediate implications for federal services, employee pay, and critical social programs like SNAP and ACA premium tax credits.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision"
S.J. Res. 80Question before the chamber
Passage of S.J. Res. 80, providing for congressional disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management rule regarding the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision.
The case for
Senator Sullivan argued that a 'yes' vote would unleash American energy, which is the best way to undermine Vladimir Putin. He stated it is a pro-union, pro-worker vote, as laborers and operating engineers support oil production. He also contended it would vindicate the rule of law, as Congress mandated development in this area, and the Biden administration's regulation violated that law. Finally, he emphasized that it supports the interests of Native Alaskans, whose leaders want this resolution and were ignored by the Secretary of the Interior and the President.
The case against
No direct opposition was aired in the Record, but Senator Sullivan characterized the opposition as kowtowing to 'far-left environmental groups' and 'coastal elites' at the expense of working Americans and Native people.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The joint resolution was passed.
52-45
Who is affected
- Alaskan Native communities: Economic opportunities and self-determination related to resource development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska are supported by the disapproval of the BLM rule.
- Energy industry: Production opportunities for oil and gas are maintained or expanded by the disapproval of the BLM rule.
- Environmental groups: Conservation efforts and environmental protections in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska are potentially undermined by the disapproval of the BLM rule.
- American workers and unions: Job creation in the energy sector is supported by the disapproval of the BLM rule.
Terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs
S.J. Res. 88Question before the chamber
Passage of S.J. Res. 88, terminating the national emergency declared on April 2, 2025, by the President in Executive Order 14257.
The case for
Senator Wyden argued that American families are facing higher costs, with the average family seeing about $2,800 in higher costs due to Trump's tariffs. He asserted that Congress has clear authority on tariffs and should cancel this tax hike. Senator Kaine further detailed that the President's declaration of an emergency based on trade deficits in goods was nonsensical, ignoring services and population size, and that the chaotic imposition of tariffs harms businesses and slows investment. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also urged Congress to reclaim its constitutional role in setting tariffs to benefit American businesses and consumers.
The case against
Senator Crapo argued that the resolution is counterproductive. He stated that for decades, countries have raised tariff and non-tariff barriers against American businesses without response, and President Trump is now responding to achieve fair and free trade. He noted that the President's negotiations are bearing fruit, citing China's agreement not to implement rare earth export controls, address fentanyl flow, and purchase soybeans, with other deals hopefully forthcoming.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The joint resolution was passed.
51-47
Who is affected
- American families: Facing higher prices for goods due to tariffs, which the resolution aims to alleviate.
- Farmers and small manufacturers: Struggling with higher costs for inputs and evaporating overseas markets due to tariffs, which the resolution seeks to address.
- Businesses and industries (e.g., semiconductor, diesel engine, potato farmers): Experiencing economic damage, investment uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages due to chaotic tariff policies, which the resolution aims to stabilize.
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 and Senator Barrasso argued that Republicans are ready to reopen the government today with a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution, without demanding anything in exchange. They stated that Democrats are refusing to act, using the pain of the American people as 'leverage' and are responsible for the shutdown's consequences, including the impending loss of SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans and economic damage to small businesses and federal workers.
The case against
Senator Schumer and Senator Durbin argued that the shutdown is caused by Republicans' refusal to negotiate and their insistence on a 'partisan bill' that does not address critical issues. They highlighted an impending healthcare crisis due to the expiration of ACA premium tax credits, which will cause millions to see premiums double or lose coverage. They also condemned President Trump's decision to halt SNAP benefits, calling it a 'hunger crisis' and accusing him of using hungry people as hostages, despite available funds and past precedent.
Disposition
Cloture motion filed on motion to proceed · other
A cloture motion was filed on the motion to proceed to the bill, but no vote on the motion to proceed occurred.
Who is affected
- Federal workers: Working without pay for 30 days, facing financial strain and uncertainty about future paychecks.
- Military personnel: Facing uncertainty about paychecks, with the President having to divert funds to cover payroll.
- SNAP recipients (42 million Americans): Will lose food assistance benefits starting November 1, leading to a hunger crisis.
- ACA enrollees (20 million Americans): Will see health insurance premiums more than double on average if enhanced tax credits expire, potentially losing coverage.
- Small businesses: Experiencing billions in losses due to the shutdown.
- Air travelers and aviation safety staff: Facing flight delays and safety concerns due to understaffed air traffic control and TSA, with staff working without pay.
Senate Disapproves Alaska Petroleum Reserve Rule
highThe Senate passed S.J. Res. 80 by a recorded vote of 52-45, providing for congressional disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management's rule regarding the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision. Proponents argued the resolution would unleash American energy, support working families and Native Alaskans, and uphold the rule of law, while opponents expressed concerns about environmental impacts and the influence of far-left environmental groups.
Senate Terminates Global Tariffs National Emergency
highS.J. Res. 88, terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs, passed the Senate by a recorded vote of 51-47. Supporters emphasized the negative impact of tariffs on American families, businesses, and farmers, advocating for Congress to reclaim its constitutional role in setting trade policy. Opponents argued the resolution was counterproductive to ongoing trade negotiations that were beginning to yield results.
Government Funding Impasse Continues Amidst Shutdown
highThe Senate filed a cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a continuing appropriations bill, but did not vote on the motion to proceed. Debate continued on the 30th day of the government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other for the impasse and highlighting the impending cessation of SNAP benefits and rising healthcare costs.
Unanimous Consent Request to Pay Military During Shutdown Fails
mediumSenator Coons requested unanimous consent for S. 3079, a bill to provide continuing appropriations for military pay and pay for civilian employees of certain intelligence agencies during a government shutdown. Senator McConnell objected, arguing that the surest way to help servicemembers is to reopen the government and pass full-year appropriations.
Judicial Nominations Advance
mediumThe Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Joshua D. Dunlap to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the First Circuit by a vote of 51-47 and filed a cloture motion for Eric Chunyee Tung to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Additionally, a large bloc of military nominations were confirmed en bloc.