This Week in Congress

Government operations were abruptly halted at midnight on Wednesday when the Senate failed to pass either the Republican or Democratic Continuing Resolution (CR). By a vote of 55-45, the Senate defeated the Republican version, which aimed to extend government funding through November 20. Notably, Sen. Paul (R-KY) sided with Democrats in opposing the measure, while Sens. Fetterman (D-PA), Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and King (I-ME) voted with Republicans. The Senate also rejected the Democratic alternative CR, with a vote of 47-45. This version sought to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced subsidies and prevent President Trump from rescinding already appropriated funds.

On Wednesday, the Senate plans to file cloture on both versions of the CR, intending to continue voting on the bills in hopes of swaying enough Democrats to support the GOP House-passed bill. However, another vote is not anticipated until Friday, as the Senate will not be in session tomorrow in observance of Yom Kippur.

The Congressional Budget Office has projected that a government shutdown would result in federal agencies losing $400 million daily, with approximately 750,000 workers furloughed. These workers would not be paid during the shutdown but would receive back pay once the shutdown concludes, due to a 2019 law.