WASHINGTON, Nov 8
The United States government shutdown entered another tense weekend as Senate Democrats scaled back their demands in a bid to end the impasse, offering to approve a short-term funding bill stripped of additional disaster aid. However, Republicans held their ground, insisting on spending cuts and policy riders before reopening federal agencies.
Sources from Capitol Hill said Democrats’ move aimed to “break the gridlock” and secure pay for hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal workers, but GOP negotiators called the offer “incomplete” without deeper budget reforms.
“We’re willing to meet them halfway, but not at the cost of fiscal discipline,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Friday night.
“Americans deserve a functioning government, not partisan brinkmanship,” countered Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging a weekend vote.
With talks extending through Saturday, the White House has warned that prolonged delays could disrupt key programs, from air traffic control to food assistance. Economists estimate the ongoing shutdown could shave 0.2% off Q4 GDP if it continues another week.
Markets, workers on edge
Wall Street remained cautious, with futures slightly down as investors tracked Washington developments. Federal employees staged protests outside government buildings, while essential services continued at reduced capacity.
What’s next?
Senate aides indicated a possible Sunday session if negotiators narrow differences over spending levels and Ukraine aid provisions. The standoff marks the third major shutdown threat in 18 months, raising concerns over America’s fiscal reliability ahead of 2026 budget hearings.
