Senator Merkley's Marathon Senate Speech and the Implications of Government Shutdowns
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, a Democrat, has taken to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to President Trump's policies. He started speaking on Tuesday evening and has continued through the night. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for federal agencies. In the past, agencies operated during funding lapses, assuming Congress would act quickly. However, in 1980 and 1981, Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti's legal opinions stated that agencies couldn't function without funding.
During President Ronald Reagan's tenure, there were eight shutdowns, the longest lasting three days. From 1990 to 1995, there were three shutdowns, followed by a gap until 2013. The longest shutdown was in late 2018 to early 2019, lasting 35 days, surpassing the 21-day shutdown in 1995. The Senate is set to vote on a House-passed bill to fund the government until Nov. 21, marking the twelfth attempt in the Senate. Despite GOP leaders' hopes for more Democratic support after recent protests, the bill has not gained additional votes since the shutdown began.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate would vote on the House-passed bill again on Wednesday. Republicans are united in their efforts to reopen the government with this bill. Thune expressed hope that Democrats would "come to their senses" and agree to open the government this week.