Senate Fails to Advance Stopgap; Shutdown Continues

A partial federal shutdown began after the Senate failed to advance a House-passed stopgap funding bill, with the cloture motion falling 55–45 short of the 60 votes needed. Roughly 750,000 federal employees are expected to be furloughed while many essential workers may be required to work without pay. Senate Democrats say they will not reopen departments without Republican agreement to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, though three Democrats crossed to support the House measure and Sen. Rand Paul was the lone GOP no vote. Senate GOP leaders, led by Majority Leader John Thune, said they will keep the Senate in session and continue voting to try to pick up more support, though Thune plans to recess for Yom Kippur. Vice President J.D. Vance urged Democrats to join talks to reopen the government as the White House warned of “imminent” firings and lawmakers traded blame while votes continue.