
The Senate is meeting to consider a potential deal to end the record-breaking government shutdown, now in its 37th day, as President Donald Trump renews his push for Republicans to eliminate the filibuster — a move he argues is essential to reopen the government and advance the GOP agenda.
According to Politico, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working to finalize an agreement with Democratic leaders that would amend the House-passed continuing resolution to include three full-year appropriations bills, potentially extending funding through next January.
The plan is designed to draw enough Democratic support to reach the 60 votes currently required under Senate rules.
The shutdown, which began in late September, officially became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday — surpassing the 34-day closure that occurred during Trump’s first term. With federal workers unpaid for more than a month and vital programs running on emergency reserves, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to strike a deal.
Republican leaders believe the new offer — combining short-term government funding with a package of full-year spending measures — could entice moderate Democrats to vote in favor of reopening the government. Thune told reporters he hopes the proposal will win bipartisan backing but acknowledged that “the outcome is not guaranteed.”