​The current federal government shutdown is now among the longest in US history. Negotiations have intensified, but for now, both the Administration and Congressional Republicans are emphasizing the need to pass a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen the government. However, Democratic leadership in the Senate remains firm that negotiations should address broader funding issues, namely an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of this year.

The White House has indicated a willingness to continue discussions on these and other topics while operating on at least a short-term Continuing Resolution to end the government shutdown. President Trump has also called upon Senate Republican Leadership to abolish the filibuster. While Republicans control 53 seats, a 60-vote threshold is needed to end a filibuster.

In the meantime, agencies across the Federal Government are feeling the effects as more employees miss paychecks and government-wide operations slow.  Federal Contractors are preparing for possible disruptions if the shutdown continues, and pressure is building from affected sectors to resume normal funding.  Air traffic controllers and other essential personnel continue to report to work without pay, raising concerns about long-term staffing and safety. Federal unions representing these workers, particularly the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), have called for an end to the shutdown but have directed their appeals primarily toward Congress rather than the Administration. Industry leaders warn that extended delays could begin to impact travel schedules and freight operations.

​President Trump signed a Republican-led stopgap measure to keep the government funded, preventing a shutdown after a contentious debate in Washington. The Continuing Resolution (CR) generally extends federal funding at current levels through the end of FY25 (September 30th) but increases defense spending by $6 billion and cuts nondefense spending by $13 billion.