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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon delivered an extensive speech on the Senate floor, lasting nearly 19 hours, to denounce President Trump’s actions as authoritarian. Merkley’s speech focused on Trump’s deployment of federal agents to cities like Portland and Chicago, as well as perceived retaliatory actions against political opponents. The senator argued that these actions undermine American democratic principles and are a threat to the republic. Fellow Democratic senators supported Merkley’s address, emphasizing the potential harm caused by Trump’s leadership.
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President Trump’s nomination of Paul Ingrassia to lead the DOJ’s special counsel office is likely to fail following reports of offensive comments made by Ingrassia in a private group chat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that Ingrassia’s confirmation is unlikely. The reported remarks include racial slurs and derogatory comments about Martin Luther King Jr., prompting calls for the White House to withdraw the nomination. Despite a scheduled Senate hearing, the nomination faces opposition from both Democrats and key Republicans.
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The US Senate failed to pass a Republican plan to end the government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans continuing to trade blame. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Trump administration’s decision to approve a large bailout while federal agencies are closed. House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to negotiate with Senate Democrats, while defending the administration’s use of Pentagon funds to pay military personnel, despite legal concerns. The political standoff has led to the laying off of thousands of federal workers, as both sides remain firm in their positions.
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On Wednesday, the Senate voted down a War Powers Act resolution aimed at blocking the Trump administration’s missile strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. The resolution, sponsored by Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, failed by a vote of 51-48 with only two Republicans supporting the measure and Senator John Fetterman breaking ranks with his party. The vote came after the fourth confirmed boat strike, which led to at least 21 deaths, and amid rising tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and concerns about getting embroiled in another war. Democrats raised questions about the strikes and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, while Republicans defended the actions, with one labeling those involved as terrorists.
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John Q. Hosedrinker