New Poll: Republicans Blamed More Than Democrats for Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Stalemate

• 📌 Federal workers are facing uncertainty as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day with no end in sight.
• ⚠️ A vote is scheduled in the Senate today to provide pay for federal employees working without a paycheck, with tomorrow being a payday for many.
• 🏛️ The Senate's 12th round of voting on spending bills has failed, highlighting the ongoing legislative stalemate.

Public Opinion on Blame

• 📊 New polling from Quinnipiac University indicates that 45% of registered voters hold Republicans in Congress more responsible for the shutdown.
• ⚖️ Conversely, 39% of respondents assigned more blame to Democrats, while 11% believed both parties shared equal responsibility.

Legislative Proposals for Worker Pay

• 💰 Senator Ron Johnson has proposed a bill that would allow President Trump to decide which federal employees receive pay during the shutdown.
• 🤝 Senator Van Holland is working on an alternative plan to ensure immediate paychecks for all federal employees, including those currently furloughed.

Record-Breaking Senate Speech

• 🗣️ A Democrat, Senator Jeff Merkley, delivered a speech lasting nearly 23 hours, one of the longest in Senate history.
• 📜 During his speech, Merkley criticized President Trump's policies and described the current moment as one of America's most delicate stages since the Civil War.
• 🚧 Merkley also criticized Senate Republicans for not taking negotiations seriously and for insufficient engagement with Democrats.