Day 38 — quick snapshot
Welcome to day 38 of the shutdown saga. The Senate is prepping to try a new angle: push the House’s stopgap funding bill forward again, then tinker with it on the floor to try to stitch in longer-term spending packages and a funding extension past Nov. 21. They’ll need 60 votes to move anything, and the exact timing of the vote is still up in the air.
The Senate’s quirky new play
Think of it as a sequel nobody asked for. Republicans want to advance the continuing resolution yet again — this time with a promise to swap in full appropriations bills and hold future votes on things like healthcare subsidies. The hope is that moderates who’ve been in talks this week will be tempted by the offer and climb aboard.
Will Democrats bite?
Short answer: probably not enough. Despite increased talks across the aisle, many Democrats feel pumped up after recent election wins and are signaling they want more concessions before they cave. That political confidence makes the 60-vote hurdle feel a lot taller than it did a week ago.
Flights, fury and frustrated travelers
Meanwhile, the administration has started canceling thousands of flights to reduce strain on air-traffic staffing — which, unsurprisingly, is producing travel chaos. If you had plans, prepare for delays, reroutes, and the usual airport melodrama.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on the noon reconvening and any last-minute dealmaking. Key signs to watch: whether moderates switch sides, if the amended bill actually contains the promised appropriations language, and whether leaders set a timeline for a healthcare-subsidy vote. Also watch your flight status — because politics and travel misery are teaming up like a terrible buddy comedy.
