Senate fails to pass House GOP government funding measure on seventh vote as shutdown hits ninth day

The Senate on Thursday failed to pass a House GOP government funding measure on the seventh vote, as the government shutdown hit its ninth day.

The continuing resolution would continue government funding at its current level through Nov. 21. The vote was 54-45, needing 60 votes to pass, The Hill news outlet reported.

Democratic Sens. John Fetterman, of Pennsylvania; Catherine Cortez Masto, of Nevada; and independent Sen. Angus King, of Maine and who caucuses with Democrats, voted for the House funding bill. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only one in his party to vote against it.

Immediately after the vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed a motion to reconsider the House measure, giving him flexibility to bring it back to the floor whenever he chooses. 

Earlier Thursday, the Senate voted on Senate Democrats' alternative plan to reopen the government, which failed, 47 to 50. Their proposal would permanently extend enhanced health insurance premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and restore nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act over the summer.

The Senate was scheduled to take a recess next week for Columbus Day, but senators now expect the state work period to be canceled so they can stay in Washington, D.C., to vote on ending the shutdown.