Former Rep. Joe Walsh criticized the Senate’s actions regarding the government shutdown, questioning the outcome’s alignment with voter expectations. Walsh specifically targeted the eight Democratic senators who voted in favor of a Republican funding bill to end the shutdown. He indicated that Democrats were not standing up for their voters. The procedural vote took place on November 10, 2025.
On Sunday, the Senate began the process to end the longest government shutdown after eight Democratic senators reached an agreement with Republicans, notably without securing the Democrats’ key demand for extended healthcare subsidies. These senators, including Durbin, Shaheen, and Kaine, justified their decision by highlighting the detrimental impact of the shutdown on government workers and the public. They also pointed to Republican promises to vote on restoring the Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing it as a strategic move to hold Republicans accountable on healthcare. This decision, however, risked alienating the Democratic base and potentially undermining the party’s previous political advantage gained during the shutdown.
In a pivotal move to end the government shutdown, the Senate voted to proceed with compromise legislation, despite objections from many Democrats regarding the lack of guaranteed extension for health care subsidies. A group of moderate Democrats agreed to advance three bipartisan spending bills and extend government funding until January in exchange for a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. This agreement, which would also reinstate federal workers and ensure back pay, was met with criticism from House Democrats. Although the deal moved forward, the future of the health care subsidies and the potential for any common ground between the parties on the matter remained uncertain.
House Democrats are expressing significant anger towards Senate colleagues for supporting a government funding bill that lacks an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits. Despite centrist Senators planning to vote with Republicans on the measure, several House Democrats, including vulnerable incumbents, have voiced their disapproval of the deal, deeming it insufficient. This disagreement highlights the divisions within the Democratic party regarding healthcare policy and spending priorities. The failure to secure the tax credit extension has sparked considerable frustration among those focused on protecting constituents from high healthcare costs.
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Bernie Moreno admitted to obtaining the VINs of his Democratic colleagues’ vehicles, sparking immediate condemnation. Moreno argued that this revealed a lack of investment in additional safety technology, undermining their push for mandates. Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen accused Moreno of stalking and invading her and her staff’s privacy, leading to a heated exchange. The incident underscored broader political tensions and was further highlighted by the context of a government shutdown and a lavish party held by former President Trump.
Following a brief return to the U.S., former President Trump took to Truth Social to urge Republicans to abolish the filibuster rule in the Senate, labeling it the “nuclear option.” He argued that eliminating the rule, which requires 60 votes to pass legislation, would grant Republicans “Great Strength” and quickly resolve the ongoing government shutdown. Trump’s call to action echoes similar desires from previous Democratic administrations and is a direct response to the Senate’s failure to pass funding, leading to the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history. While some Republicans have expressed interest, leaders like John Thune and Mike Johnson have expressed opposition to the idea.
Former President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster to end the government shutdown, a move progressives had warned about, citing the potential for Republicans to utilize such a tactic. Trump’s demand echoes Democrats’ past efforts to end the filibuster during the Biden presidency, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Should the filibuster be scrapped, it would allow the Republicans to pass legislation with a simple majority. Trump’s push comes as millions face the loss of federal assistance and the potential for rising health insurance costs.
President Trump urged Senate Republicans to utilize the “nuclear option” to abolish the filibuster, enabling them to bypass the current government shutdown with a simple majority vote. He cited concerns from his recent trip to Asia and argued Democrats would eliminate the filibuster if given the opportunity. While some Senate Republicans have discussed rule changes, it remains uncertain if they have sufficient support to entirely eliminate the filibuster, especially with Senate Majority Leader John Thune opposing any weakening of it.
During a late October 2025 news conference amid a government shutdown, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Democrats were required to reopen the government, and that Republicans were not “in charge” due to the Senate’s 60-vote threshold. Johnson’s remarks correctly attributed the responsibility for reopening the government to Democrats, emphasizing the need for their support given the Republicans’ minority status in the Senate. The comments were made in the context of ongoing negotiations, where the House of Representatives needed to pass a bill to reopen the government. The Democratic Party highlighted Johnson’s remarks in comparison to an earlier statement where he acknowledged Republicans’ control of the White House and both houses of Congress.
Senate Democrats have blocked the Republican Party’s government funding legislation for the 12th time, as Republicans remain five votes short of the required 60. Democrats are using this “leverage” to push Republicans to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans insist will only be considered after the government reopens. This has led to a hardened resolve among Democrats, and Republicans are running out of solutions, as the deadline to fund the government approaches.
John Q. Hosedrinker