With both parties deadlocked over healthcare funding, the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its sixth day despite President Trump’s call for compromise.
Washington, D.C. — The United States Senate on Monday once again failed to approve a federal spending budget, marking the fifth consecutive collapse of negotiations and ensuring that the government shutdown—now in its sixth day—will continue to cripple public operations and tens of thousands of federal employees.
Neither party’s proposal reached the 60-vote threshold required for passage. The Democratic-backed funding bill to temporarily extend government operations failed 45–50, while the Republican proposal led by the Trump administration fell short 52–42, leaving both sides locked in bitter dispute over healthcare legislation.
President Donald Trump, speaking on Truth Social, struck a firm but conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to negotiate reforms with Democrats, but only after the federal government was reopened.
“I am happy to work with the Democrats on their failed healthcare policies, or anything else,” he wrote, “but first they must allow our Government to re-open.”
Trump has warned that the ongoing stalemate could trigger mass layoffs and further strain the economy, noting that the budget impasse has already forced thousands of federal employees to work without pay or face furlough.
Inside the Capitol, tensions are soaring. House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Republicans to hold the line, directing members not to return to Congress until Democrats relent, insisting that any debate on healthcare reform must occur after reopening the government.
Democrats, meanwhile, accused Republicans of jeopardizing healthcare access for America’s poorest citizens. They have refused to back the GOP budget plan, arguing that it undermines Medicaid and insurance subsidies for low-income families.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fired back on X, saying:
“If [Speaker] Johnson is serious about lowering costs and protecting the health care of the American people, why wait? Democrats are ready to do it now.”
At the heart of the standoff lies Trump’s landmark “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed on July 4, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would remove 11 million Americans from Medicaid through sweeping entitlement reforms—changes the administration argues are essential for long-term fiscal health.
Despite the turmoil, the White House remains confident that the budget gridlock will end with a bipartisan deal that prioritizes economic recovery, healthcare reform, and fiscal discipline.
Political analysts note that Trump’s firm stance mirrors his foreign policy approach—strategic leverage before compromise, an insistence that real deals only emerge once the other side recognizes his resolve.
For now, the capital remains in limbo—a paralyzed Congress, a shutdown government, and a President demanding action before negotiation.
