Government Shutdown Update: Friday, October 24, 2025

The Senate was out of session today and is set to return on Monday evening. A continuing resolution (CR) vote is not on the schedule for Monday.

Several senators criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) for not keeping the Senate in session over the weekend. Senator Thune indicates that a deal is likely not close.

Democrats are also struggling to remain unified as the shutdown continues. On Thursday, Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in voting for the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012), indicating they are willing to dissent from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) wishes.

Despite concerns about a lack of progress, many senators are still looking to push ahead. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) is continuing to support a three-bill minibus to pass more appropriations bills, and other senators have expressed interest in passing bills and conferencing with the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (H.R. 3944).

The Administration

The Department of War has accepted a gift of $130 million from an anonymous donor for the purpose of paying military salaries during the shutdown. This funding will cover only a fraction of the amount needed for one pay period. It was announced that the gift was offered out of a sense of patriotism. Per Department rules, any donations of more than $10,000 must be reviewed by ethics officers, and it has not been made clear whether that step occurred. The troops’ next paycheck is scheduled for October 30.

President Trump remains focused on international issues. He is headed to Asia to discuss trade negotiations with China and continues to focus on military exercises and action in the Caribbean.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Negotiations

As the open enrollment period approaches, Republicans remain divided on how to approach the healthcare affordability issue. Ideas such as income caps and ending auto-enrollment have been discussed across the party with various levels of support; but, thus far, there has been no unified strategy for addressing the higher premiums.

GOP senators met this week to discuss paths forward, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said Republicans might be willing to accept a plan on extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, but no proposal has been made public.

Looking Ahead

November 1 remains a crucial date to watch, as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to run out of funding. SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to aid with groceries and nutrition. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act (S. 3024), which would fully fund SNAP during the government shutdown. The bill directs that any fiscal year 2026 unobligated funds from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) may be used to fund the program. If this bill does not pass, members of Congress will likely feel increased pressure to find a solution for the program.

On November 4, New Jersey and Virginia will hold elections for governor and other statewide offices. Recent polling indicates both top of the ticket races could be closely contended.

In Virginia, the Democratic nominee, former US Representative Abigail Spanberger, is taking on the Republican nominee, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. Rep. Spanberger has held a consistent lead over Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears, but recent polling has indicated a tightening race.

In New Jersey, US Representative Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, received an endorsement from former President Barack Obama. The Republican nominee, Jack Ciattarelli, is endorsed by President Trump. Polls indicate this race is competitive, with the advantage currently for Rep. Sherrill.

Political analysts typically view the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial elections as the first real test of the popularity of the party that controls the White House and a forecast for the midterm elections. If the government remains closed on November 4, it is likely that both parties will pour over the results for indications of public opinion on the shutdown and potential off-ramps if the results are unexpected or point to growing political liability.

Past updates can be found on the DLA Piper website here.

If you have any questions or would like to coordinate an individual conversation about the shutdown’s effects or about the Government Affairs & Public Policy practice, please contact practice chair Karina Lynch at karina.lynch@us.dlapiper.com.