Senate Moves to Reopen the Government

The Senate remained in Washington over the weekend in an attempt to end the record-breaking shutdown. Following the results of elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and California, both sides appeared to dig-in even further, though President Trump privately told Republican lawmakers that they needed to work harder to reopen the government. On Sunday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) released text for three full-year appropriations bills: Military Construction and Veterans Administration; Agriculture (including the FDA); and Legislative Branch. These three bills, which have been negotiated on a bipartisan basis, are attached to a new continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government until January 30. Additionally, the new funding package would include language to reverse the mass reductions in force that were instituted early in the government shutdown, which is something the Democrats are increasingly demanding as the negotiations continue. Thune promised a vote on the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies by mid-December. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the progressive wing of the Democratic caucus oppose the compromise.