Copyright Newsweek
President Donald Trump says that the U.S. Senate should remain in Washington, D.C., this weekend "until they have a deal" to end the federal government shutdown, which is now in its sixth week. Newsweek reached out to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's and Senate Majority Leader John Thune's offices via email on Friday for comment. Why It Matters The ongoing federal government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has disrupted millions of lives, affecting federal workers, airport operations, and public assistance. Trump has urged senators to end procedural hurdles such as the filibuster to facilitate reopening governmental operations. The impasse underscores the deep partisan divides in Congress and raises the stakes for both parties as the 2026 midterm elections approach, with voters increasingly dissatisfied over economic challenges and legislative inaction. What To Know As the government shutdown entered its 37th day, Trump called on Republican senators to abolish the Senate filibuster—a parliamentary procedure requiring a 60-vote threshold to pass major legislation—in an effort to secure enough votes to reopen the government. Taking to Truth Social on Friday afternoon, Trump wrote, "The United States Senate should not leave town until they have a Deal to end the Democrat Shutdown. If they can’t reach a Deal, the Republicans should terminate the Filibuster, IMMEDIATELY, and take care of our Great American Workers!" The Senate, controlled by a 53-47 Republican majority, has repeatedly failed to pass a funding bill. Senate Democrats have insisted on the extension of federal health care subsidies before agreeing to reopen the government, while Republicans argue the government should reopen first and debate health care separately. The deadlock has resulted in numerous failed votes and bipartisan talks, but no clear path to resolution. Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Democrats would be willing to re-open the government if Republicans would agree to fund Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for one year. According to the Associated Press, Thune, a South Dakota Republican, called the proposal a "nonstarter." He added, “I guess you could characterize that as progress. But I just don’t think it gets anywhere close to what we need to do here.” What People Are Saying Senate Majority Leader John Thune on X on Friday: "If I were a Democrat, I would be embarrassed to walk into this building every day. To walk past the men and women of the Capitol Police not getting paid. The junior staffers wondering how they are going to pay their rent. How can Democrats look any of these people in the eyes?" Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy wrote on X Friday: "The stress that this government shutdown is putting on the system is NOT WORTH IT! I heard firsthand from fliers at DCA who are concerned about getting stranded because Democrats are holding the government HOSTAGE. Fliers and air traffic controllers are not leverage." House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, wrote on X on Friday: "Even Democrats admit it: their party doesn’t care about chaos at the airports. They don’t care about families going hungry. They don’t care about our troops missing paychecks. All they care about is protecting their political brand. Just pathetic." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X on Friday: "The path forward is simple and achievable: reopen the government, extend the existing ACA tax credits for one year, and begin bipartisan talks on long-term healthcare affordability. The ball is in Republicans’ court." What Happens Next? If an agreement is reached, it could still take days to fully reopen shuttered government agencies, as House members require notice and a period for legislative review. Should negotiations continue to fail, the shutdown will continue to affect federal employees, public services, air travel, and unfolding political dynamics.
