Democrats not swayed by call to end shutdown from largest federal workers' union [View all]

Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Oct 27, 2025, 6:51 PM ET


Democrats appear to be unmoved by fresh demands from the largest federal employees’ union to reopen the government, a sign that the shutdown stalemate between lawmakers will continue as government workers increasingly feel the pain during the process. It’s the latest example of how pressure points have not had the power to bring an end to the current shutdown, which is already the second longest in US history with no end in sight.

Over one million federal workers are going unpaid as the impasse drags on and some are turning to food pantries. Democrats were quick to say they care about the plight of federal workers and what the union has to say. But that doesn’t change the fact that most remain firmly dug in on the position that they won’t provide the votes to reopen the government unless their concerns over the rising costs of health care are met.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged that the statement from the American Federation of Government Employees, “immediately” has an “impact” on Democrats, who have closely aligned with the group, though he didn’t predict a change in strategy. “It has a lot of impact, and they’ve been our friends and we’ve worked with them over the years,” Durbin told reporters on Monday, adding that he has talked to representatives with the union and recognizes that they’re in “a terrible mess” representing so many federal employees who are missing paychecks and facing threats to their jobs.

Still, Durbin told CNN, “I’m not seeing any change in position at this time” as Democrats continue to oppose a bill to extend current funding levels through November 21. The widespread belief among Democrats on Capitol Hill is that Republicans will be forced to cave first, particularly as they expect millions of Americans will find out their health care premiums are spiking when open enrollment begins on November 1. Republicans have refused to negotiate until the government reopens, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House out of session since September 19.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/27/politics/democrats-afge-union-shutdown