Senate Shutdown Showdown! Inflation Is Cooling. The Mahmoud Khalil Controversy Continues.

Democrats' Shutdown Dilemma

The U.S. Senate is locked in a battle over government funding, with Senate Democrats standing firm against a Republican-backed continuing resolution (CR). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declared that Democrats will not support the clean CR unless they have a chance to amend it. With at least eight Senate Democrats needed to move the bill forward, Republicans are testing whether Democrats are willing to risk a shutdown — an unusual stance for a party that has long opposed such measures.

The House, meanwhile, has already left town for 12 days, meaning any Senate amendments would not see immediate consideration. This puts pressure on Senate Democrats to either push their amendments through or let the bill pass as is. Republicans, led by Senate Minority Whip John Thune, believe Democrats will ultimately fold, unwilling to take the blame for a shutdown. The next few days will reveal whether the Democrats stick to their demands or find a way to claim a small victory and move on.