Senate Faces Imminent Government Shutdown Amid Schumer-Thune Funding Clash

A government shutdown is imminent as Congress struggles to pass a short-term budget bill, with the deadline set for midnight Tuesday. Republicans seek a "clean" continuing resolution to maintain current funding levels, while Democrats push to make Affordable Care Act tax cuts permanent and reverse recent healthcare cuts, creating a stalemate. Senate Democrats, motivated to resist concessions to President Trump's administration, are divided but largely united in opposition; however, some moderate members remain uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have blamed each other’s parties for the deadlock, with Republicans needing Democratic support to reach the 60 votes necessary to pass funding legislation. President Trump is engaging in last-minute talks with congressional leaders, signaling increased pressure to negotiate and avert the shutdown. Should the shutdown occur, non-essential federal employees will be furloughed, while essential workers will continue without pay until the government reopens, potentially affecting services such as VA facilities and Social Security offices.