Here we go again, my friends! We’re witnessing another installment of Washington’s favorite drama: the government shutdown [4] and the frantic scramble for a Continuing Resolution (CR). We’re passionate about accountability, and frankly, this cycle is exhausting. It’s time to demand better from our elected officials!
The Endless CR Cycle
It’s almost comical if it weren’t so serious. The Senate just voted down a GOP-led stopgap spending bill for the twelfth time on Wednesday, with a 54-46 vote [3]. Yes, you read that right – twelve times! This isn’t just a political chess match; it’s a failure to govern, leaving us all wondering when the adults in the room will step up.
Republicans on Capitol Hill are reportedly discussing extending government funding levels, not for a few weeks, but potentially until December 2026 [5]. GOP leaders are openly eyeing a new, longer continuing resolution to finally end this shutdown [6]. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has stated he’s in favor of doing the proper appropriations process, but he also acknowledges that Democrats “may not leave any alternatives” if talks continue to flounder [2]. This sounds less like a solution and more like admitting defeat to the process.
White House Shenanigans and GOP Unity (or Lack Thereof)
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has been busy inviting Senate Republicans to the White House. He hosted a lunch on Tuesday in the Rose Garden Club to celebrate their supposed unity in the government shutdown fight and for passing nominees [1], [2]. A grand gesture, right? But hold on to your hats, because even amidst the celebration, cracks started to show.
Four Republicans who attended that lunch directly raised concerns with President Trump about his idea to buy more beef from Argentina [1]. So much for complete unity! And guess who wasn’t even invited? Senator Rand Paul [1]. It seems unity is selective, even in the Rose Garden.
It’s also worth noting that members of Congress are growing weary of the White House circumventing Capitol Hill’s crucial power of the purse [7]. This isn’t just about funding; it’s about who controls the purse strings and the fundamental balance of power. Even House Republican leadership, like Johnson, has been trying to tamp down anxiety among House GOP members about the chamber staying out indefinitely [7]. The pressure is mounting, and the cracks are showing.
What’s Next for Congress?
The government shutdown continues to drag on, now entering its fourth week [4]. The discussions are centered on extending current government funding levels [5] rather than passing proper, detailed appropriations bills. The appropriations process is clearly floundering [2], and that’s a disservice to all of us.
It’s time for our leaders to stop playing political games and get down to the serious business of governing. We need real solutions, not just another temporary patch that kicks the can down the road. Let’s demand accountability and an end to this cyclical crisis!
Sources & Footnotes
- https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/10/21/congress/what-were-watching-00616218 ↩
- https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2025/10/21/time-for-a-new-cr-00616186 ↩
- https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/10/22/congress/shutdown-senate-rejects-cr-stopgap-bill-12th-time-00619246 ↩
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/20/government-shutdown-gop-cr-date-00616040 ↩
- https://www.facebook.com/TheHill/posts/republicans-on-capitol-hill-are-discussing-extending-current-government-funding-/1183858866935866/ ↩
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/gop-leaders-eye-stopgap-spending-221506928.html ↩
- https://www.politico.com/congress-news-updates-analysis ↩
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