Government Shutdown Continues As Senate Democrats Stage Marathon Floor Protest

The government shutdown has extended into its third week, with little progress expected as President Donald Trump departs for an Asia trip, leaving Senate negotiations at a standstill. Senate Republicans are attempting to pass limited funding bills to pay troops, federal workers, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, but these efforts lack sufficient Democratic support. Democrats, led by Senator Jeff Merkley, have responded with marathon speeches on the Senate floor to protest what they describe as Trump's "authoritarianism" and to obstruct the passage of short-term funding bills. These prolonged speeches are part of a broader Democratic strategy to draw attention to their opposition despite being in the minority and facing Republican control of both chambers. Meanwhile, some Republicans advocate for extending the continuing resolution into next year, though this faces resistance from appropriators. Additionally, concerns about the aging U.S. Senate and calls for new leadership with fresh ideas have emerged in the political discourse.