There are expectations that the political blockade will be lifted when the electoral results are fully counted in Tuesday’s elections, considered a barometer of public opinion regarding Trump’s second term.
Democrats won several key races, which is expected to shift the political balance within the party, dividing it between those who want to continue fighting for health care funds and those who want to end the impasse.
Trump remains firm in refusing to negotiate with Democrats on health subsidies until they agree to reopen the Government, but opponents doubt his intentions, especially after restrictions imposed on food support.
The Republican leader has been away from dialogue, but he has not been the only one to avoid it, given that the president of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, sent deputies home in September, refusing further negotiations.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has warned of possible air chaos next week if air traffic controllers miss another payment, and unions have been pressing Congress to reopen the Government.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the United States is experiencing not only the longest, but also “the most serious budget shutdown on record”.
Thune appealed to Democrats to accept a vote on the health financing issue and continue negotiations after the Government reopens, arguing that “no one wins” in the impasse.
“The shutdowns are stupid,” the senator said, according to the AP.