News|PoliticsUS government shutdown continues, as Trump cuts funds for Democratic statesRepublicans and Democrats fail to narrow differences on spending bill, as effects of shutdown start showing.
The United States Senate has not achieved progress in resolving the partial federal government shutdown, with both Republican and Democrat factions blocking competing stopgap spending proposals for the second consecutive day.
The United States Senate has not achieved progress in resolving the partial federal government shutdown, with both Republican and Democrat factions blocking competing stopgap spending proposals for the second consecutive day.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted against the proposals, maintaining the same voting margins as the previous day, resulting in continued government closure.
The Republican proposal to extend government funding until November 21 was rejected with a 55-45 vote. Notably, two Democrats, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, along with Independent Angus King of Maine, supported the bill.
The Democrat proposal, which included an extension of government funding tied to approximately $1.5 trillion in new healthcare spending, was also unsuccessful, receiving 53 votes in favor and 47 against, with all Republicans opposing.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted against the proposals, maintaining the same voting margins as the previous day, resulting in continued government closure.
The shutdown has led to halted government services and required essential employees to work without immediate compensation. The White House budget director, Russell T Vought, announced the freezing of $26 billion in infrastructure funding designated for Democratic-majority states. This includes $18 billion for transport projects in New York City, paused due to alleged unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Additionally, $8 billion in funding, referred to as "Green New Scam funding," for projects across 16 states, including California, Washington, and Hawaii, has been canceled.
The Trump administration has indicated potential mass layoffs as a means to manage the shutdown's financial impacts. Vice President JD Vance stated that layoffs might be necessary to preserve essential services.
According to Stephanie Leiser, a public policy lecturer at the University of Michigan, the shutdown's uncertainty is negatively impacting the economy, delaying investments, increasing borrowing costs, and placing administrative burdens on various sectors.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Trump for using Americans as leverage and emphasized the Democrats' aim to extend healthcare subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts, aligning with public preferences. In contrast, Senate Majority Leader John Thune attributed the impasse to the Democrats' opposition to President Trump and urged them to reopen the government.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.