U.S. government shutdown lasts 38 days, setting a historical record; Senate Republican leader: Positive signals in bipartisan negotiations

The U.S. government has entered its 38th day of shutdown, setting a record for the longest in history. Although negotiations between the two parties remain deeply divided, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Republican) stated that progress has been made, describing it as “positive progress.” Lawmakers are working hard to reach an agreement to reopen the government. (Background: The government shutdown lasted 35 days, the longest on record, draining liquidity and causing significant declines in Bitcoin and the stock market.) (Additional context: Goldman Sachs predicts the shutdown could end within two weeks, making a December Fed rate cut more justified?) Since October 1, when the federal government shut down due to budget disputes, it has now entered its 38th day, breaking the record for the longest shutdown. Democrats and Republicans have yet to reach a consensus, and when the government will reopen remains uncertain. However, the negative impacts of the shutdown continue to spread, affecting millions of federal employees, SNAP food assistance programs, national parks, and other public services, increasing economic and livelihood pressures daily. Therefore, despite the ongoing standoff, negotiations have not ceased. Senate Majority Leader: Progress has been made in negotiations In this context, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Republican) stated on November 8 local time that negotiations have made “positive progress,” and lawmakers are working to reach an agreement to reopen the government, proposing three long-term funding bills for some federal agencies. Despite this, significant differences remain. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat) proposed a compromise on Friday, advocating for an immediate short-term funding bill to reopen the government, with a one-year extension of healthcare tax credits and broader negotiations to end the shutdown. The Democrats would then support ending the shutdown. However, Thune responded on behalf of the Republicans, emphasizing that healthcare subsidy negotiations must occur after the government reopens. He called Schumer’s proposal a “non-starter,” acknowledging it as a sign of “negotiation progress,” but stating it is “not enough to solve the problem.” The Republicans insist on passing a “clean” short-term continuing resolution (CR) first, then discussing healthcare and three long-term funding plans (potentially covering defense, border security, and infrastructure). Currently, Thune plans to push for a Senate vote on November 8 (today) to advance a bill to end the shutdown, but Democrats are expected to block it unless healthcare commitments are included. Analysts warn that if the deadlock persists, the shutdown could extend until Thanksgiving (November 27), further impacting the economy and the political climate ahead of elections. Related reports U.S. government shutdown continues: Senate rejects funding bill for the 12th time, worsening healthcare reform and military pay crises Fed warning: government shutdown hampers Fed decisions, possible rate cuts canceled? U.S. government shutdown “crypto regulation chaos”: Litecoin ETF delays, all 90 applications rejected. (The article was first published by BlockTempo, the most influential blockchain news media.)