Senate's Rare Weekend Push Stalls as Trump Rejects Compromise

Source: Newsweek

Nov 08, 2025 at 03:18 PM EST


For the first time since the government shutdown began over a month ago, senators convened on Saturday to negotiate a bipartisan resolution to end the 39-day impasse. The rare weekend session underscores the mounting crisis affecting federal workers, airlines, and millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits.

However, progress remains elusive as President Donald Trump doubled down on his refusal to compromise, proposing that hundreds of billions of dollars currently directed to insurance companies through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, be sent directly to Americans instead. Trump also called for eliminating the filibuster on Truth Social, declaring that Republicans "must blow up" the procedural rule to advance conservative policy priorities including voter ID requirements, regardless of whether a shutdown deal is reached.

Why It Matters

The extended shutdown has become the longest government shutdown in American history, with tangible consequences mounting daily. Federal workers remain unpaid, airlines have canceled flights, air traffic controllers lack pay, and critical assistance programs like SNAP face delays. The crisis threatens military personnel compensation and essential government operations.

Trump has reportedly blamed the shutdown for recent Republican electoral losses, including defeats in New York City's mayoral election and gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Recent polling shows over half of voters believe Trump and congressional Republicans bear greater responsibility for the shutdown than Democrats.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/senates-rare-weekend-push-stalls-as-trump-rejects-compromise-11016260