Shutdown Enters Fifth Week; Talks Intensify

The federal government shutdown has entered its fifth week — roughly 30–32 days — and risks becoming the longest in U.S. history as millions of federal employees go unpaid and safety-net programs including SNAP teeter toward interruption. The stalemate has produced widespread disruptions, from staffing-related airport delays to concerns that letting enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies lapse could sharply raise premiums for millions. Procedurally, House Republicans passed a continuing resolution but lack the 60 votes in the Senate to advance it, while most Senate Democrats have united behind a counterproposal to extend ACA tax credits, producing a string of failed floor votes. Senate Republican leaders, including John Thune, say quiet talks with centrist Democrats have intensified and could produce an off‑ramp, and key senators from both parties — including Shelley Moore Capito, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven — are calling for compromise. Inside the White House, officials acknowledge they underestimated the shutdown’s duration and President Trump has expressed frustration, urging Republicans to consider eliminating the filibuster even as lawmakers from both parties have floated short-term bills to keep SNAP flowing.