How Soon Could the Government Reopen?

ABC News correspondent Steven Portnoy joins the show to discuss the potential end of the government shutdown, noting that the Senate voted 60–40 to advance a measure that could reopen federal agencies through January. While the bill hasn’t yet passed the Senate, it’s expected to, after which the House must reconvene—despite air traffic issues—and vote to send it to President Donald Trump for signing. If signed, the shutdown, which has lasted six weeks, would end.The vote revealed internal Democratic tensions. Eight Senate Democrats supported ending the filibuster, frustrating activists and party leaders who felt the move surrendered leverage without securing concessions. Their strategy had been to withhold funding to force Trump into negotiations over health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That effort failed, and the dissenting Democrats argued the shutdown had gone on too long. The only outcome was a vague promise of future bipartisan talks on health insurance. However, Republicans remain divided, with many blaming Obamacare for systemic issues and opposing a simple extension of subsidies. A recent offer from Senator Chuck Schumer to drop the filibuster in exchange for a one-year subsidy extension was rejected by GOP leaders, who may seek broader ACA reforms—something Democrats are unlikely to accept.Procedurally, the shutdown could end quickly if objections are waived and the House acts swiftly. Leaders have given members 36 hours to return for a vote. With Veterans Day approaching and urgent needs like SNAP benefits looming, momentum favors a resolution. Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged good-faith negotiations once the government reopens, but deep ideological divides remain. Whether meaningful compromise on health care can follow is uncertain, as both parties remain entrenched in their positions.