GOP Proposes Plan to End Government Shutdown Amid Gridlock

By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, 06 November 2025 01:18 PM EST
Republicans unveiled a new proposal aimed at ending the 37-day government shutdown, offering Senate Democrats full-year spending bills and signaling openness to rehiring laid-off federal workers. The plan, revealed ahead of a closed-door Senate Democrat luncheon, marks the most significant GOP effort yet to resolve the deadlock.

Four sources confirmed the deal would advance three full-year appropriations bills covering Agriculture-FDA, Military Construction-VA, and the Legislative Branch, while attaching a temporary measure to reopen other government sectors. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged the offer but withheld details, emphasizing the goal of “getting government working again” while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The proposal includes provisions for rehiring federal employees affected by prior workforce reductions, addressing Democratic demands. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a key negotiator, stated, “We need to make sure that federal employees who have been RIFed are able to come back to work.”

The offer followed President Trump’s call to “terminate the filibuster” during a White House breakfast with GOP senators, though Thune noted Republicans lack sufficient votes to alter Senate rules. Trump criticized Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, urging them to “stop playing games with the American people’s paychecks.”

If passed, the plan would fund critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and veterans’ services through September, while a continuing resolution would temporarily reopen other government functions. In exchange, Senate Republicans agreed to a future vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, according to The Washington Post.

With 53 Republican seats, GOP leaders seek about eight Democratic votes to advance the package, as moderate Democrats weigh support. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., expressed cautious optimism, stating, “If there’s a path forward that gives both sides something, we can get this done.”