According to a Fox News report, multiple lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are suggesting progress is being made to end the shutdown — albeit slowly.
The shutdown is now the longest in history, clocking in at 37 days.
“There seems to be some indication of a thaw,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
From Fox News:
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are skittish about the shutdown. They’re agonizing about aviation. There’s increasing worry among bipartisan lawmakers about federal workers not getting paid and the cessation of emergency food benefits known as SNAP. Everyone wants a deal. However, no one knows where to find one.
Any agreement will be about the math. But lawmakers are locked in this shutdown box and can’t find the combination to escape.
That’s why it’s significant there are at least attempts to turn the wheels of Congress to open the government. But that may take a while.
That’s why it’s notable that, for the first time since October 1, lawmakers are even attempting to turn the gears of government back on.
“I’m optimistic that we should get something done this week,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. “I think there’s a path forward here.”
Back on Tuesday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., believed the Senate would vote soon.
“I think it probably could happen Thursday. It might be pushed until Friday. But more than likely Thursday,” said Mullin.
But the Oklahoma Republican offered this caveat.
“I’m just making assumptions,” cautioned Mullin.
Mullin was back on FOX Business on Wednesday, recalibrating what he said a day earlier.
“There’s been a group working in a very strong bipartisan manner, saying once this election is over, we’re going to reopen. And then today, they came back with some of the most ridiculous demands to take authority away from President Trump – wanting us as a Senate to guarantee what the House can and can’t do. And it’s just not feasible,” said Mullin.
Republicans have long known that the House-passed interim spending bill (from September 19) simply doesn’t work anymore. Even if the Senate were to align with the House, that legislation only funds the government through November 21. And that would deposit Congress right back where it started on October 1 with a shutdown.
More over at Fox News:
Lawmakers budge, ushering in government shutdown’s potential ‘end of the beginning’ https://t.co/31cbO7jpW2
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 7, 2025
