The government shutdown drags on, and the stakes are higher than ever. As we enter Day 38 of this political stalemate, the Senate is gearing up for a crucial vote on a new strategy to break the impasse. But here's where it gets controversial: Republicans are proposing a twist to their plan, aiming to lure Democratic support by bundling long-term spending bills with a temporary fix. Will this be enough to end the shutdown, or is it just another political maneuver? And this is the part most people miss: the Trump administration has already started canceling flights at 40 major airports, adding travel chaos to the economic fallout.
Live Updates: The Shutdown Endgame?
By Stefan Becket, Managing Editor, Digital Politics
Stefan Becket, a seasoned political journalist with over a decade of experience covering national politics, leads the team at CBSNews.com, overseeing coverage of the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, immigration, and federal law enforcement. For his full bio, visit https://www.cbsnews.com/team/stefan-becket/.
Updated: November 7, 2025 / 9:42 AM EST / CBS News
What’s Happening Today?
Senate’s New Gambit: For the 15th time, the Senate will vote on advancing the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. But Republicans have added a twist: they’re proposing to amend the CR to include full-year appropriations bills and extend funding beyond November 21. The goal? To entice moderate Democrats with promises of long-term funding and a future vote on extending health care subsidies. The Senate reconvenes at noon, but the vote’s timing remains unclear. It needs 60 votes to pass—a tall order in today’s polarized climate.
Democratic Resistance: Despite bipartisan talks, many Democrats seem unwilling to budge. Fresh off their election victories, they’re holding out for more concessions from Republicans. Will the GOP’s new approach be enough to win them over, or will the shutdown persist?
Flight Cancellations: As the shutdown continues, the Trump administration has begun canceling flights at 40 high-traffic airports nationwide, including major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City. This move aims to ease pressure on air traffic controllers but adds another layer of disruption to Americans’ lives. For the full list of affected airports, visit https://www.cbsnews.com/news/list-40-airports-faa-flight-cancellations-capacity-cuts-government-shutdown-proposed/.
Behind the Scenes: The Filibuster Debate
In a surprising twist, Republican senators discussed a narrow change to the filibuster rules on Thursday. They considered lowering the threshold to fund the government during a shutdown from 60 votes to a simple majority of 51, but only for a 'clean' CR without additional conditions. However, this idea faces internal resistance and is unlikely to gain traction. The filibuster has been a contentious issue, with past leaders like Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell making exceptions for judicial and executive nominations. Under the Biden administration, Democrats debated eliminating it entirely but were stymied by internal opposition.
What’s Next?
The Senate’s vote today is a critical moment in this shutdown saga. If it fails, the impasse could drag on, exacerbating the economic and logistical challenges already faced by millions of Americans. But if it succeeds, it could pave the way for a broader deal. The question remains: can lawmakers put aside their differences and find common ground, or will partisan politics continue to hold the nation hostage?
Thought-Provoking Question: Is the filibuster a necessary safeguard for democracy, or does it hinder progress by allowing the minority to block essential legislation? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
