There may be an end in sight to the government shutdown, now tied as the longest in American history. After 13 failed attempts to pass a short-term funding bill, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he’s “optimistic” Congress can reopen the government this week.
However, the House-approved bill only funds the government through Nov. 21.
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What Senators are saying
Thune said that date “has to change.” He added that the goal is to send something back to the house that actually reopens the government.
“I think that would be the objective here, is to try and get something that we could send back to the house that would open up the government,” Thune said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson struck a similar tone at a news conference Monday. He said GOP leaders are working against the clock as the current bill’s expiration date nears.
“We’re very mindful of the calendar. We’re very frustrated by that. It’s part of the reason we’re so angry about this, because they’re eating up the clock, and the Democrats know how much more we have to do here this year. But we cannot do it if the government’s not opened and not serving the people,” Johnson said. “So, this is a very important matter. It’s something we’re giving all of our attention to. Our leaders will go and meet on the calendar right now.”
The Senate is expected to vote again on Tuesday on that short-term bill. If it fails, Wednesday will mark the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
