Senate Democrats, Driven by Anti-Trump Agenda, Block GOP Plan to Reopen Government for 11th Time

Senate Democrats, fresh off a weekend of anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies, once again blocked the Republican plan to reopen the government — marking the 11th time they’ve chosen partisan obstruction over helping the American people, as the shutdown nears its fourth week.

Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), had hoped Democrats would finally put politics aside and work toward a bipartisan solution. Instead, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his caucus doubled down, refusing to move forward on a GOP-backed bill that would restore government funding.

Despite repeated outreach from Republicans, Democrats continue to demand an extension of costly Obamacare subsidies, a relic of the Biden era that is set to expire by the end of the year. The GOP has made clear it is open to negotiating long-term solutions — but not under the pressure of a Democrat-led shutdown.

Schumer, attempting to shift blame, accused Republicans of “doing nothing” — a claim many on Capitol Hill view as political theater aimed at appeasing far-left activists. Meanwhile, Democrats at the “No Kings” rally boasted that they kept the government open under Joe Biden, ignoring the record inflation, border chaos, and economic instability that plagued his administration.

Senate Republicans have consistently called on Democrats to stop holding the American people hostage over partisan demands. Thune reaffirmed the GOP’s commitment to responsible governance, noting that Republicans are working to fund essential programs, support the military, and keep America strong.

“Democrats say this is about health care, but it’s really about power,” Thune said. “They’re using the shutdown to score political points instead of solving real problems.”

Even as Democrats block funding bills, Republicans are pursuing alternate paths to ensure stability and protect national security. Thune announced plans to bring forward legislation from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to guarantee pay for U.S. service members and key federal workers still serving during the shutdown — a move demonstrating that Republicans stand firmly with America’s military and working families.

Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) expressed optimism that public pressure would soon force Democrats to abandon what he called “Schumer’s shutdown scheme.”

“At some point, Democrats will have to listen to their constituents,” Hoeven said. “The American people want government open and working — not political games and delays.”

As the standoff enters its fourth week, President Trump and Senate Republicans remain steadfast, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, border security, and the well-being of the American people — while Democrats continue to put ideology ahead of progress.