Senate Republicans Head to White House Breakfast With Trump as Shutdown Becomes Longest in U.S. History

Senate Republicans have been invited to the White House for breakfast with President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning, as the federal government shutdown officially becomes the longest in U.S. history.

A source familiar with the plans confirmed the breakfast to CBS News, saying it will take place at 8 a.m. ET in the State Dining Room. The invitation was first reported by Punchbowl News. (cbsnews.com)

“The president continues to engage closely with Senate Republicans about strategy and priorities,” a senior GOP aide said Tuesday night, noting the White House wants to project unity as negotiations inch forward.

Filibuster Pressure Mounts

The meeting comes as Trump continues to pressure Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster, a procedural rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation. The president has argued that scrapping it would allow Republicans to pass a funding bill and end the shutdown without Democratic support.

Republican leaders, however, have repeatedly said they don’t have the votes to make that change. (politico.com)

NEWS — All Republican senators have been invited to the White House tomorrow for a breakfast with Trump

— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) November 4, 2025

Senate Republicans last met with Trump at the White House on October 21 for lunch, where they discussed the budget impasse and left with what one lawmaker called “swag bags.” (x.com/AndrewDesiderio)

Shutdown Officially Breaks the Record

As of Tuesday evening, the government shutdown entered Day 35, surpassing the previous record set during Trump’s first administration in 2018–2019, which lasted 35 days before a temporary funding bill was signed.

That earlier shutdown ended when Congress approved a three-week continuing resolution at 6:58 p.m. on Day 35, and Trump signed it at 9:23 p.m., reopening the government. (npr.org)

This time, the lapse crossed the historic threshold an hour earlier — 8:23 p.m. ET — due to the daylight-saving-to-standard-time change. The shutdown began in early October and has now spanned two time changes, multiple failed Senate votes, and growing economic strain.

Since 1980, there have been 15 shutdowns, triggered when the Justice Department formally ruled that federal agencies cannot legally spend money without congressional authorization. (congressionalresearch.org)

What to Know on Day 35

• The Senate failed for the 14th time to advance the House-passed continuing resolution to reopen the government, with the motion falling 54–44. No additional Democrats broke ranks. (apnews.com)
• Lawmakers hint at progress. Both parties have suggested outlines of a possible deal could emerge later this week.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters there are “people who realize this has gone on long enough” and that “it’s time to end it.” (thehill.com)
• Some Republicans privately predict that Democrats may be more willing to reopen the government after Tuesday’s elections, which boosted voter pressure in several key states. (abcnews.com)

---

‘Shutdowns Are Stupid,’ Thune Says

Thune, who has become the GOP’s most prominent voice for ending the standoff, didn’t hide his frustration Tuesday.

“Shutdowns are stupid,” he said. “I’ve been here long enough to have been through a few of them. Nobody wins. The American people ought to hold us all accountable.” (politico.com)

Bottom Line

On Day 35 of the shutdown — now the longest in U.S. history — Senate Republicans will head to the White House for breakfast with President Trump.

The meeting comes amid rising pressure to break the impasse, renewed calls to eliminate the Senate filibuster, and cautious signs that bipartisan negotiations could finally be gaining momentum.

Until then, the record stands — and so does the shutdown.