Senate Fails to Pass Funding Bill as Government Shutdown Impacts Americans

By James Morley III | Saturday, 08 November 2025 10:50 AM EST

Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., expressed concern Friday that Democrats’ failure to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution could disrupt Thanksgiving for millions of Americans affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Senate failed to pass a bill to pay federal employees working without compensation during the shutdown, as Democrats opposed GOP efforts to fund parts of the government without securing major concessions. McCormick emphasized that the 38-day shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, is causing widespread hardship beyond unpaid workers.

According to data from Cirium, over 1,700 flights have been canceled between Friday and Sunday as airlines reduce domestic flights by 4% at 40 major airports following a Federal Aviation Administration mandate. McCormick noted that airports are scaling back services, with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy prioritizing safety measures.

He also highlighted the impact on Pennsylvania residents, stating that nearly two million people have faced paused SNAP benefits. “The pain is becoming clear,” McCormick said. “Republicans have voted 14 times to reopen the government. My fellow senator from Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, a Democrat, and I have voted together. But politics aside, it never makes sense to shut down the government.”

James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.