The Daily Punch Senate Dems harden with no exit strategy
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Oct 23, 2025 It's Day 23 of the government shutdown, with no resolution in sight. Senate proposals to pay federal workers are at a standstill, revealing deep party divides. Senate Democrats are holding out hope that Trump will provide a solution to the impasse. The shutdown is starting to have real-world effects, notably with states preparing to suspend SNAP benefits for millions. Additionally, bipartisan efforts seem limited, showcasing the entrenched positions on both sides.
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Competing Senate Bills Replace A Clear Exit
- The Senate is teeing up competing bills to pay federal workers amid the shutdown rather than finding a single off-ramp.
- Democrats plan to offer Van Hollen and Peters alternatives to Ron Johnson's proposal under unanimous consent despite expected GOP objections.
Paying Essential Workers Is A Hard Vote
- Paying air traffic controllers and Capitol Police is politically and morally difficult because they work without pay.
- Both parties face hard votes: Republicans must deny UC and Democrats must weigh voting against a GOP bill that pays some workers.
Democrats Waiting For Trump To Fold
- Many Senate Democrats expect President Trump to be the shutdown's off-ramp rather than their own Senate leadership.
- Schumer's perceived hardening has surprised some senators who earlier thought he was reluctant.