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Senate Republicans, led by John Thune, continue to push for an end to the ongoing government shutdown as they try to secure enough Democratic votes to pass a House-passed continuing resolution, but as of the last key vote, Democrats have blocked its advancement, maintaining their opposition to the GOP’s funding bill. The shutdown, now past its twentieth day, is beginning to impact federal operations more substantially, with significant furloughs at agencies like the National Nuclear Security Administration and mounting concern over missed paychecks for Senate and House staff.
Within the GOP, Speaker Mike Johnson remains in a challenging position, as divisions persist among House Republicans, especially between the conservative Freedom Caucus faction and leadership allies. The Freedom Caucus, which had previously negotiated with Johnson on internal rules, is still exerting pressure, and although Donald Trump endorsed Johnson’s position as Speaker, several prominent conservatives such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andy Biggs, and Chip Roy have voiced reluctance to support him unconditionally. This underscores ongoing rifts over party direction and tactics during this period of divided government.
On the fundraising front, the Republican National Committee and its House campaign arm have posted a strong financial quarter, with the National Republican Congressional Committee bringing in almost $24 million in the third quarter—its best September haul in a non-election year. Chairman Richard Hudson credited much of this success to President Trump’s direct engagement in the party’s messaging and ongoing mobilization ahead of the 2026 midterms. GOP strategists appear confident that this fundraising momentum, combined with aggressive opposition to Democratic economic policies and the party’s unified stance against Democratic priorities, will help maintain or even grow their House majority next year.
Meanwhile, policy positions remain sharply polarized. Senate Majority Leader Thune has continued to blame the Democratic leadership for the shutdown, arguing that demands from “the far-left base” are preventing a bipartisan solution on government funding. Democrats have countered that Republican proposals fail to extend vital social supports like Affordable Care Act tax credits, meaning millions of Americans could soon face higher healthcare costs. As each side frames the issue to their advantage, Republicans consistently emphasize economic grievances such as inflation and housing costs while Democrats spotlight the loss of benefits and what they call an unwillingness from Republicans to negotiate or compromise.
In the coming days, pressure is mounting for party leaders, as the timeline to resolve the shutdown tightens and the impacts on government services, federal employees, and vulnerable populations grow more acute. President Trump is hosting Senate Republicans at the White House Rose Garden for a strategy lunch, highlighting his continued direct influence over party decision-making and legislative priorities.
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