WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2025 — The Senate is not scheduled to vote on the House-passed measure to reopen the government today. Instead, lawmakers will focus on a Democrat-led war powers resolution aimed at blocking potential U.S. strikes on Venezuela, according to the office of Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (AP News).
The Senate convenes at 10 a.m., with leadership leaving open the possibility of additional votes later in the day. The current schedule reflects ongoing divisions over how to resolve the historic federal shutdown, now in its 37th day (Politico).
Republicans Await Democrats’ Response on Shutdown Offer
Walking to the Senate floor Thursday morning, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans are waiting for a Democratic response before deciding whether to work through the weekend.
“First off, we’ve got to get the Dems’ response to the offer they have in front of them, and then we’ll see where they go with that,” Thune said. “It’s in their court. It’s up to them.” (Reuters)
Asked about next week’s planned recess, Thune said he was “not ruling anything out.”
In remarks on the Senate floor, Thune said Republicans are open to voting on Democrats’ proposal to extend health-care tax credits but that “Democrats need to take yes for an answer.” He added that the Senate could stay in session through the weekend if progress is made.
Inside the Proposal to Reopen the Government
The current framework under discussion ties a vote to reopen the government to three appropriations bills, coupled with a commitment to hold a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits (CNN).
Thune emphasized that while Republicans can “guarantee Democrats a process,” they cannot guarantee a specific outcome on the ACA measure.
“The clear path forward here is: they get a vote, we open up the government, and then we sit down with the president and talk about it,” Thune said. “This hostage-taking has got to stop.” (Politico)
Speaker Johnson Rejects Promise of ACA Vote
In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson declined to commit to holding a vote on ACA subsidies.
“We did our job,” Johnson said during a press conference. “I’m not promising anybody anything. I’m going to let this process play out.” (The Hill)
Johnson argued that any commitment should be made through the regular legislative process, not “behind closed doors.” He also suggested the House could quickly reconvene if the Senate reaches an agreement but said he is “less optimistic” about the shutdown ending soon.
“Every American who’s going without a paycheck or missing a flight needs to know that Senate Democrats are personally responsible for that,” Johnson said (Reuters).
What Happens Next
While the House has already passed a continuing resolution to extend funding through Nov. 21, the version under Senate discussion would push that date further into December — a change that would require another House vote before reaching the president’s desk (CBS News).
Republicans maintain there is a bloc of centrist Democrats willing to accept the current proposal, though party leaders remain noncommittal. “There are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing,” Thune said. “We’ll see if they hold sway today.”
As negotiations continue, both chambers face mounting pressure to end the record-long government shutdown, which has disrupted federal paychecks, travel schedules, and public services nationwide (AP News).
References:
• AP News – Senate to Vote on War Powers Resolution
• Politico – Senate’s Day Focuses on Shutdown and Foreign Policy Vote
• Reuters – Thune Says Senate Waiting on Democrats Over Shutdown Offer
• CNN – Senate Talks Tie Shutdown Deal to ACA Tax Credits
• Politico – Thune Calls for End to Shutdown “Hostage-Taking”
• The Hill – Speaker Johnson Says House Won’t Commit to ACA Vote
• Reuters – Johnson Blames Senate Democrats for Shutdown Impasse
• CBS News – Senate’s Shutdown Talks May Change Funding Date
• AP News – Government Shutdown Enters 37th Day