Senate Fails Again to Pass Stopgap Spending Bill: "Prolonged Shutdown Inevitable"

Stopgap Spending Bill Rejected for the 10th Time
Democrats Insist on Extending "Obamacare" Subsidies
Prolonged Shutdown Increases Inconvenience for Citizens

As the U.S. federal government shutdown (Shut Down·temporary suspension of work) entered its third week, the U.S. Senate put a temporary budget bill to a vote on the 16th (local time), but once again failed to reach a conclusion. This marks the tenth rejection of a temporary budget bill.

A cyclist is passing in front of a notice as the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., USA, is closed due to the federal government shutdown. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to the Associated Press and other sources, the temporary budget bill proposed by the Republican Party was rejected in the Senate plenary session that morning, with 51 votes in favor and 45 against. As the Democratic Party maintained its opposition, the Republicans failed to secure the 60 votes needed to pass the bill.

The Democratic Party has maintained its stance that it cannot agree to any budget bill until the extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as 'Obamacare,' is discussed. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, criticized during the session, saying, "The Obamacare crisis is hanging over everyone's heads, and it seems the Republicans are prepared to make insurance premiums skyrocket for the public."

John Thune, the Republican Senate Minority Leader, said, "With each passing day, more Americans are receiving less pay," and suggested that the issue of extending Obamacare subsidies could be put to a separate vote at a later time. However, he added, "I cannot guarantee any result or conclusion."

As the two parties fail to narrow their differences, there are growing concerns that the shutdown could be prolonged. The Washington Post analyzed that this shutdown is heavily characterized by anger and a power struggle between the two parties over who will lead Washington for the next three years. Due to this nature, the situation is expected to be much more unpredictable and the resolution even more complicated.

While the political battle continues, the prolonged shutdown-now lasting over two weeks-has led to increased inconvenience for citizens, including flight delays, museum closures, and limited operations at national parks. The Donald Trump administration is using this shutdown as an opportunity to push for large-scale layoffs of government employees, especially in departments that have been deprioritized in policy agendas.

The Guardian reported that as the standoff between the two parties continues, federal employees have not received pay for several weeks, with no end to the situation in sight. At a CNN town hall event, a government worker with four children pleaded, "How am I supposed to feed my family?" Another woman shared that she was facing housing insecurity because government-backed loans were halted due to the shutdown, according to the Guardian.