US Senate Fails to Reopen Government After Fifth Budget Vote
The US government shutdown entered its sixth day on Monday, January 13, after the Senate failed for a fifth time to pass spending measures that would reopen the government. The latest vote saw competing proposals by Democrats and Republicans both shot down, failing to meet the 60-vote threshold required.
According to BBC World, Donald Trump had reiterated threats of mass layoffs if another vote failed earlier in the day. Thousands of federal employees were furloughed or ordered to work without pay when funding for their agencies ended five days ago. The US president hinted that he was open to trying to end the impasse and possibly strike a deal with Democrats who are sticking to demands that include securing the southern border.
The Senate's inability to reach an agreement has left many federal employees struggling to make ends meet, with some facing financial hardship due to the lack of pay. "This is not just about politics; it's about people's lives," said Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), according to BBC Business. "Republicans are silent on this issue, and that's unacceptable."
The shutdown has also had a significant impact on the economy, with some experts warning of potential long-term consequences. According to a report by the Congressional Budget Office, the shutdown is costing the US economy around $3 billion per week.
Despite the ongoing impasse, Trump claimed that negotiations were underway to end the shutdown. "We're having very productive talks," he said in a statement on Monday. However, Democrats remain skeptical, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stating that any deal must include protections for Dreamers and a commitment to pass bipartisan legislation.
The current status of the shutdown remains uncertain, with no clear indication of when or if it will be resolved. The next vote is expected to take place on Tuesday, January 14, but it's unclear whether either side will be able to muster enough support to pass their proposal.
As the standoff continues, federal employees are growing increasingly frustrated. "We're not just asking for a paycheck; we're asking for dignity and respect," said one furloughed employee, who wished to remain anonymous. The shutdown has become a contentious issue in Washington, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise.
The US government shutdown is now the longest in history, surpassing the 21-day shutdown that occurred from December 1995 to January 1996. As the situation remains unresolved, many are left wondering when or if the impasse will be broken.
In a statement on Monday, Trump said, "We're going to get there; we're going to make a great deal." However, Democrats remain resolute in their demands, and it's unclear whether the president is willing to meet them halfway. The outcome of this standoff remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the US government shutdown will continue until a resolution is reached.
Background:
The current shutdown began on January 8, when funding for several federal agencies expired due to a lack of agreement between Democrats and Republicans over border security and immigration reform. Since then, thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or ordered to work without pay, while others are working overtime to keep essential services running.
According to the Office of Personnel Management, around 800,000 federal employees were affected by the shutdown as of January 10. This includes not only those who are furloughed but also those who are working without pay, such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers.
The impact of the shutdown extends beyond federal employees, with many businesses and industries feeling the effects of the ongoing impasse. The National Retail Federation estimates that the shutdown is costing retailers around $1 billion per week in lost sales.
As the standoff continues, many are calling for a resolution to be reached as soon as possible. "This is not just about politics; it's about people's lives," said Representative Jeffries. "We need to get back to work and pass a bill that will reopen the government."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC Business.
