What Can Break the Shutdown Impasse?

The New York Times ^ | Oct. 29, 2025 Updated Oct. 30, 2025, 11:05 a.m. ET | Carl Hulse and Catie Edmondson

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Significant milestones over the next few weeks could shuffle the status quo. For now, both sides remain dug in as the closure heads into a fifth week.

Senate Republicans were confident that the call on Monday from the largest federal employees union for an end to the government shutdown would finally nudge labor-allied Senate Democrats to move toward resolving the stalemate entering its fifth week.

Democrats were instead mostly unmoved.

Their bet was that news on Wednesday of soaring health care premiums because of expiring Obamacare tax credits might finally persuade Republicans to negotiate on extending the subsidies. That didn’t pan out either; G.O.P. leaders have so far refused — at least until the government reopens.

Now the question is: What, if anything, can break the impasse that has led to federal workers being idled and force the warring parties to a solution? Several major inflection points are approaching, including the Nov. 1 start of Obamacare open enrollment, an imminent suspension of federal nutrition benefits for millions of struggling Americans and closely watched off-year elections next Tuesday that could be a gauge of political momentum.

Both parties are eyeing these developments as moments that could create sufficient political anxiety to shake the status quo and encourage one side or both to relent. With the government shuttered for 29 days, lawmakers are just days away from matching the record for the longest shutdown in American history — 34 days.

“There is so much — so much — that is coming at us like a freight train,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska.

For now, both sides remain dug in, and don’t see the calendar as providing much of an impetus for change.

“I just think people know what is going on,” said Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut. “Trump is in...”

[SmokingJoe]

Easy.
END THE FILLIBUSTER NOW!

[Destroyer Sailor]

I really don’t care what the New York Times says. I do not consider it a reputable news source.

[goodnesswins]

Demcommies getting brains...but, fat chance that happens.

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

Like

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I do not consider it a reputable news source.

The problem is half the country does consider it to be a reputable news source, so it is useful to know what lies they are telling today.

[Libloather]

Democrats were instead mostly unmoved.

Let it percolate for another month. Heck, Husseincare was our Christmas gift from Pelosi in 2009. Maybe wait until then.

[norcal joe]

... so it is useful to know what lies they are telling today.

No, it's a waste of our time to even read the headline.

[kiryandil]

IABTFD - In After Bookshelf The Freeploading Deadbeat

[iamgalt]

It will end after Tuesday’s election

[quantim]

“...Republicans to negotiate on extending the subsidies.”

Translation => Pile it on the national debt for the grandchildren to pay.

[kiryandil]

aka The Spew Barf Slimes, or The Duranty Times...

[E. Pluribus Unum]

No, it's a waste of our time to even read the headline.

Who is this "our" of whom you speak?

Are you the center of the universe?

I have been looking all over for you!

[Brian Griffin]

“Good Evening, BRIAN GRIFFIN
Oct 22 2025
CMS MEDICARE PREMIUMS WEB
Amount: negative five hundred fifty five dollars– $555.00
Running Balance: two hundred ninety five dollars and eighty three cents$295.83”

That’s $185/month (regardless of my <<100% of FPL income), over $2,200/year, for no care whatsoever so far, two years in

[mewzilla]

Meanwhile, get a load of this, ftom Upstate NY...

Catholic Charities
@ChemungSchuy_CC

During this difficult government shutdown, we know many federal employees are facing unexpected financial stress. Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler is committed to supporting you. Contact us today to see what support may be available to you...

4:01 PM · Oct 30, 2025 10 Views

https://x.com/ChemungSchuy_CC/status/1983987712387321873

[Flaming Conservative]

Ooh! Ooh! I know the answer -— democrats need to vote for the thing!

[tumblindice]

37. 38, 39, 40 trillion, who’s counting? We just spent a billion in SNAP for illegal aliens? Don’t be crass.
The important thing is to eventually give in, as always, to the “out of power” democrats so we can keep those criminaliens fed and medicated, and the “Affordable Care” act on life support.
As the judges put it, ‘Just find the money. We have spoken.’

[HP8753]

Wide spread looting and rioting by the usual suspects may do it. If the Dims want to fillibuster....Make them actually do it. Standing and read from a DC phone book or just talking their normal crap should make for good campaign commercials.

[Flaming Conservative]

Democrats are hoping for riots and civil disobedience from those affected. They want violence and insurrection. I wouldn’t mind a little of that, as long as it were directed solely at the democrats.

[eccentric]

The Republican CR has already passed the House vote. Wouldn’t any Democrat bill have to go back to the House?