By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government shutdown entered another tense phase this week as both chambers of Congress failed to reach an agreement to reopen federal agencies. On Thursday, the Senate once again voted on two competing continuing resolutions — one from Democrats, one from Republicans — but both measures failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required to advance.
This marks the seventh unsuccessful vote, prolonging the closure of government operations and leaving federal employees without pay. Civilian government workers have already missed paychecks, while members of the U.S. military are expected to miss their first payments next week.
Republican senators may be softening their stance, according to political observers. Senator Thom Tillis reportedly remarked that a deal on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies “wouldn’t be hard once government is funded,” suggesting that a compromise could be possible once the immediate shutdown impasse is resolved.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives remains in recess, even as frustration mounts. House Democrats have stayed in Washington to pressure Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, whose certification remains pending despite similar past cases being resolved swiftly during recesses. Analysts say the delay may reflect Speaker Johnson’s determination to maintain a “stop-work” posture amid the budget standoff.
On the legislative front, the Senate managed to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a strong bipartisan vote of 77–20. The bill includes key amendments repealing the long-standing Authorizations for Military Force in Iraq from 1991 and 2002. Additionally, two resolutions disapproving Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rules in North Dakota and Alaska passed narrowly and now await President Trump’s signature.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, though it remains unclear when the House will return to session — or when the shutdown will finally end.
This report was compiled by Newspot Nigeria’s Global desk. For more updates on U.S. politics and global policy, visit Newspot Nigeria.
