Now the 2nd government shutdown in US history

U.S Government shutdown Wednesday entered its 22nd day, becoming the second-highest federal Lack of funds Never, no end in sight.

The milestone marks the second longest shutdown since both presidents were in office Donald Trump was in the office.

The longest shutdown of Trump’s first term began in December 2018 and lasted nearly five weeks. The shutdown stemmed from a dispute over funding Trump’s controversial immigration policy.

The current shutdown resulted from Senate Democrats refusing to vote for a short-term government funding bill sponsored by Republicans, saying it lacked additional spending on health care and other provisions.

Democrats want any funding bill to extend the enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, without which health insurance premiums could rise significantly in 2026 for millions of Americans. Those credits are set to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans have accused Democrats of holding the government hostage and refusing to negotiate on health care issues until the shutdown ends.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. But any funding bill requires 60 votes to pass.

A stopgap funding resolution that previously passed the GOP-controlled House failed to pass in the Senate 11 times.

A Republican-backed bill that would only fund the US military Failure to vote procedurally Last Thursday.

No vote was scheduled as of 10:45 a.m. ET Wednesday.

“We’ve negotiated. I don’t know what to negotiate,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, RSD, said after meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

“This is about opening up government,” Thune said. “We’ve offered them several off-ramps now. The Democrats want something that is completely untenable.”

Democratic leaders in Congress have asked to speak with Trump and want him to join negotiations to resolve the shutdown.

Asked if Trump would talk to Democrats, Thune told reporters, “At some point, but first open the government.”