The US government shutdown entered its sixth week on Saturday, leaving millions of federal workers without pay and throwing several public services into disarray. Despite growing frustration across the country and mounting pressure on Congress, President Donald Trump remains steadfast, refusing to back down or reach a compromise with Democrats.

Senators scramble to end the deadlock

For the first time since the shutdown began more than a month ago, senators worked through the weekend in an attempt to break the political stalemate that has paralysed the nation’s capital. The shutdown, now among the longest in US history, has resulted in thousands of grounded flights, food aid delays for millions of families, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees missing multiple paychecks.

However, despite bipartisan discussions, there is little indication of progress. Trump has made it clear that he is unlikely to concede to Democratic demands to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits — a key provision of Obamacare. Taking to social media on Saturday, Trump called the ACA “the worst healthcare anywhere in the world” and instead proposed sending money directly to citizens to purchase their own insurance.

Trump calls for ending filibuster rule

Further intensifying the standoff, Trump urged Republicans to scrap the Senate filibuster, a parliamentary rule that requires 60 votes to pass most legislation. Ending the rule would allow the GOP to bypass Democrats entirely.

Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator, echoed Trump’s stance online, stating that Republicans who wished to retain the filibuster were “wrong.” Still, the proposal has deepened divisions within the party, as several senior Republicans fear that dismantling the rule could backfire when Democrats regain control.

Democrats propose a temporary solution

As negotiations dragged on, Democrats presented a new proposal late Friday to reopen the federal government in exchange for a one-year extension of expiring ACA tax credits. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the offer aimed to relieve mounting public distress.
“All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer said, emphasising that the crisis had reached a point where “the cost of inaction is too high.”

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are a central component of Obamacare, helping low- and middle-income Americans afford health insurance. Democrats have insisted that these subsidies be extended to prevent millions from losing coverage in 2026.

Moderate senators seek a compromise

Moderate Democrats, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, are working behind the scenes with several Republican colleagues to find middle ground. Speaking to reporters, Shaheen admitted that Democrats “need another path forward” after Republicans rejected Schumer’s proposal.
Her group is exploring an agreement that would temporarily fund veterans’ services, food aid, and the legislative branch, while keeping the rest of the government funded until December or January. The deal would include a promise of a future healthcare vote, but no firm guarantee on the ACA subsidies — a condition that may fall short of Democratic expectations.

Republicans remain divided

While some Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have indicated a willingness to consider parts of the Democrats’ proposal, others remain aligned with Trump’s hardline stance. “The President has made it clear — partial measures are not enough,” one senior GOP aide said anonymously.

The White House has yet to signal any readiness to approve a temporary reopening of the government. Trump’s insistence on changing Senate procedures — coupled with his rejection of Obamacare provisions — has left negotiators with little room to manoeuvre.

Mounting pressure from across the nation

As the shutdown entered its 39th day, the effects on the US economy became increasingly visible. Airlines reported staff shortages and flight cancellations, with over 1,200 flights grounded nationwide due to unpaid air traffic controllers. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which provides food aid to millions — announced delays in benefit payments, raising fears of a growing food crisis among low-income households.

Meanwhile, federal employees have begun staging protests in Washington, D.C., and across major cities, demanding back pay and an end to the political brinkmanship. “We are hostages in a political game,” said Rachel Myers, a furloughed Transportation Security Administration worker from Maryland. “This isn’t about healthcare anymore — it’s about leadership.”

Conclusion

With neither side showing signs of compromise, the US government shutdown continues to test the nation’s patience and the resilience of its political institutions. As the economic and social toll grows, lawmakers are under immense pressure to strike a deal — but the road ahead remains uncertain.