Senate Fails to Invoke Cloture on Continuing Appropriations Bill 54-44 Amidst Intense Debate on Government Shutdown, Healthcare Costs, and SNAP Benefits
The Senate convened for a session marked by a failed cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, with the vote failing 54-44. This outcome prolonged the ongoing government shutdown, which reached its 35th day. The debate preceding the vote was dominated by sharp exchanges between Republicans and Democrats regarding the shutdown's impact on federal workers, SNAP beneficiaries, and healthcare costs, particularly the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Senators also paid tribute to former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose death was announced earlier in the day.
This chamber-day is highly significant as the failed cloture vote directly contributes to the continuation of the government shutdown, impacting millions of Americans through unpaid federal salaries, uncertainty over SNAP benefits, and looming increases in healthcare premiums. The extensive floor debate highlighted the deep partisan divide over fiscal policy and social welfare programs, with both sides presenting starkly different views on the causes and consequences of the legislative stalemate. The confirmation of a judicial nominee also occurred, demonstrating the Senate's continued function in some areas despite the broader gridlock.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
H.R. 5371Question before the chamber
Whether to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.
The case for
Republicans argued that passing a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution (CR) is essential to immediately reopen the government and alleviate the suffering of federal workers and the public. Senator Thune emphasized that the bill, which had been voted on 13 times, would ensure federal employees get paid and vital services are restored. He highlighted calls from various unions and business organizations for a clean CR, asserting that Democrats were prolonging the shutdown for political gain and ignoring the pain of working people. Senator Barrasso reiterated that the shutdown was a 'Schumer shutdown' and that Democrats were using Americans as 'political pawns' by refusing to negotiate and pass a clean funding bill.
The case against
Democrats argued that the 'clean' CR proposed by Republicans was insufficient because it failed to address critical issues like the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and the withholding of SNAP benefits. Senator Schumer stated that American families face healthcare costs doubling or tripling without these credits and accused Republicans of ignoring the needs of working people. Senators Durbin, Murphy, Klobuchar, Whitehouse, Baldwin, Bennet, Kim, Coons, and Merkley detailed the devastating impact of rising healthcare premiums and the administration's alleged illegal withholding of SNAP funds, calling it 'weaponizing hunger' and 'inhumane misery.' They insisted on negotiations to protect healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans, many of whom reside in states that voted for Donald Trump.
Disposition
Cloture on the motion to proceed · recorded vote
Failed, as three-fifths of Senators duly chosen and sworn did not vote in the affirmative.
Yeas 54, Nays 44
Who is affected
- Federal employees: Continued to miss paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- SNAP recipients (42 million Americans, including 16 million children): Faced uncertainty and potential loss of food assistance due to the administration's stance on funding during the shutdown.
- Families with ACA plans (24 million Americans): Anticipated significant increases (doubling or tripling) in healthcare premiums due to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, potentially leading to loss of coverage.
- Small business owners and employees: Experienced economic losses due to reduced patronage from unpaid federal workers and general economic uncertainty.
- Air travelers: Faced increased flight delays and safety concerns due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA agents.
- Rural hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers: Threatened by potential funding cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, which could lead to service reductions or closures.
Cloture on Continuing Appropriations Fails, Prolonging Shutdown
highThe Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, with a vote of 54-44. This result means the Senate could not advance the bill, ensuring the government shutdown, now in its sixth week, will continue. Republicans advocated for the bill as a 'clean' funding extension to reopen the government, while Democrats opposed it, citing the need for negotiations on healthcare and SNAP benefits.
Intense Debate on Healthcare Premium Increases
highMultiple Democratic Senators spoke extensively about the impending doubling or tripling of healthcare premiums for millions of Americans due to the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. They presented real-life examples from their states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Florida, where families face thousands of dollars in annual increases, potentially leading to loss of coverage. Democrats accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate on this issue, linking it to the ongoing shutdown.
SNAP Benefits Crisis During Shutdown
highSenators from both parties addressed the critical situation regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of illegally withholding $5.5 billion in emergency funds for 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans. They cited court orders directing the administration to release funds and criticized the President's shifting statements on compliance, highlighting the chaos and hunger caused by the uncertainty.
Judicial Nomination Confirmed
mediumThe Senate confirmed the nomination of Joshua D. Dunlap, of Maine, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, by a rollcall vote of 52-46. This confirmation proceeded despite the broader legislative gridlock and government shutdown.
Tribute to Former Vice President Dick Cheney
lowSenators Grassley and Thune delivered tributes to former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose death was announced earlier in the day. They highlighted his extensive career in public service, including roles as White House Chief of Staff, Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President, and offered condolences to his family.