Summary
The U.S. government shutdown has continued for over a month due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over health care subsidies. The Senate needs at least five more Democratic votes to end the shutdown by passing a funding bill. Some Democratic senators have been meeting to negotiate a deal to reopen the government.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown has lasted more than a month, the second-longest in U.S. history.
- Democrats and Republicans are divided over a funding bill tied to health care subsidies.
- The Senate needs 60 votes to pass the bill, requiring support from at least seven Democrats.
- So far, Democrats John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez-Masto, and Independent Angus King have supported the bill.
- GOP Senator Rand Paul voted against the bill, meaning more Democratic votes are needed.
- Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, and Gary Peters from Michigan, are crucial votes, having previously supported similar measures.
- Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin is involved in negotiations but opposed the bill in March.
- Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff is engaged in bipartisan talks, expressing his constituents' concerns over health insurance and the need to reopen the government.
