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The Senate rejected both Republican and Democratic proposals on Friday (September 19) aimed at preventing a government shutdown, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown at the end of the month. The Republican proposal, which had passed the House with a narrow 217-212 vote, failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to break a filibuster in the Senate, with a final tally of 44-48. Only Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania broke ranks with his party to support the bill, while Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed it from the Republican side.
The Democratic proposal, which included government funding through October 31 and linked it with health care policies and restrictions on President Donald Trump’s spending discretion, was also blocked in a 47-45 vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) emphasized that the only viable option left for Democrats is to approve the House-passed bill favored by Republicans. "Looks to me like it’s this or a shutdown," he said, according to Politico.
Democrats criticized the Republican proposal for not addressing Medicaid cuts and the expiration of health insurance subsidies, which they argue will negatively impact millions of Americans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed concern over the potential consequences, stating, "They’re voting like they think the status quo is good enough, even though they’ve heard from so many of their constituents the fear of hospitals closing, of health care being diminished.
With both sides at an impasse, lawmakers are expected to return to their home districts, leaving the government without a clear path to avoid a shutdown. The House is not scheduled to reconvene until after a potential shutdown has begun, and the Senate is unlikely to vote again until just before the deadline. The political standoff continues as both parties brace for the potential fallout of a government shutdown.