WEDNESDAY (11/12):
BREAKING:
The House of Representatives has passed the funding bill, moving closer to the end of the government shutdown, with a final vote of 222-209.
The bill will now go to President Donald Trump, who is reportedly scheduled to sign it Wednesday night.
The House approved a procedural step, which is a rule for debate that would reopen the government.
The House was called to order this afternoon.
Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) called for immediate consideration of Congressman Ro Khanna’s Epstein bill.
The acting Speaker of the House blocked the request on procedural grounds.
The House went immediately into debate on the continuing resolution to fund the government.
MONDAY (11/10):
Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to be replaced after eight Democrats split with their caucus and voted alongside Republicans on Sunday.
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) wrote on social media that Schumer is “no longer effective and should be replaced.”
SUNDAY (11/9):
BREAKING:
The vote was 60/40 the deal will now go to the house.
Update made by Bradley Warren at 7:51 p.m.
There appears to be a “deal,” which could reopen the government.
The deal is a “minibus,” and a CR which will fund the government at current levels.
It has GOP/DEM support— Dems will not get the healthcare subsidy they were fighting for— but they will get a stand alone vote in the senate.
Just because this exists doesn’t mean the government is or will open.
The filibuster still needs to be broken— GOP needs 60 votes.
Our area:
6:09 p.m. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is on the floor– voted NO, her teams says she will be making a statement shortly.
Via text, a spokes person for Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) who was photographed early this evening with the president at the commanders game — is supportive of the deal. Daines is on the floor 6:05 p.m.
Via X Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) says the bill doesn’t address the core issue which is affordable health insurance.
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) is currently on the floor 6:02 p.m.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) released the following statement via email after voting no:
“The vote tonight to reopen the government with no deal on health care is a brutal blow to all those who have stood together to save affordable health care for more than 20 million Americans.
“I strived to stop this outcome. I will vote ‘NO’ tonight with every fiber of my being.
“To be sure, the real villain is Trump and Congressional Republicans, who shut down the federal government because they refused to restore health care after they savaged it in their Big Ugly Betrayal of a bill – all to fund tax breaks for billionaires.
“And in a fit of cruelty unparalleled in recent American history, Trump inflicted maximum pain on Americans by withholding SNAP benefits, canceling thousands of flights, and illegally firing federal workers.
“Using hungry kids and our most vulnerable families as bargaining chips casts shame on the entire Republican Party.
“Trump’s authoritarian tyranny is dismantling our democracy before our eyes.
“The only way to stop him is to stand up to him. I will redouble my efforts, in partnership with grassroots champions organizing across this great land, to do everything I can to stop him.
“Let’s save our Republic!”
Dems voting in support-
Durbin
Hassan
King
Rosen
Cortez Masto
Kaine (released a statement essentially saying given the large amount of Virginians who are federal employees– [for context Northern Virginia is home to a significant amount of employees who work in DC] he was making the decision to support the proposal to prevent further mass layoffs and pain to federal employees)
Shaheen
Fetterman
This breaking update is from Bradley Warren at 5:45 p.m.
The senate held its first weekend session of the current government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
FRIDAY (11/7):
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated there will be out today and into the weekend.
Lawmakers in the senate are voting on a bill to pay federal employees during the shut down– WATCH HERE.
That legislation is not expected to pass.
THURSDAY (11/6):
The Government is still closed, thanks for reading.
Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) held a press conference in D.C. today urging Republicans to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats to end the shutdown.
This comes as the FAA announced that 40 large airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), will face a 10% reduction in flights due to reduced air-traffic controller staff force.
SNAP:
Major drama on the topic of SNAP continues, a judge did order the administration to pay for benefits– they appealed the decision.
States have argued that the federal government has not given them the cash to make payouts to recipients.
The administration wanted to make a partial payouts then updated that to about 65% payouts— which in most cases would be just above $650.
WEDNESDAY (11/5):
Today is is officially the longest government shut down in history. The Senate is in session, unclear on if CR votes will take place as congress seems in a dead heat.
TUESDAY (11/4):
Today is officially the mark for the longest government in history, today is also election day.
** Big races to watch New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races.
Former Vice President White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, Representative for Wyoming’s at-large congressional Dick Cheney (R) has died.
in 2021 after being ousted from her GOP leadership position and her fathers advice as she spoke out against President Trump and the January 6 insurrection.
Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) signed on to the Constitutional Amendment to “Stop Congressional Pay During Shutdowns,” as co-sponsorship of Congressman Ralph Norman’s (SC-05) constitutional amendment that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown, with no back pay.
MONDAY (11/3):
The administration says it will partially fund SNAP.
President Donald Trump (R) suggested the nuclear option and blowing up the filibuster to reopen the government. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) digested in a Monday morning press conference that he was not in support that.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) tweeted her reaction to the Trump administration telling a federal court today that it will tap the SNAP contingency fund to provide partial benefits for November:
SUNDAY (11/2):
On CBS’s “60 Minutes,” President Donald Trump (R) said:
“We keep voting. I mean, the Republicans are voting almost unanimously to end it — and the Democrats keep voting against ending it… They’ve lost their way.”
Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-05) had press availability.
He spoke regarding a recent trip to Second Harvest Food Bank, and expressed that there is a need for donations of food and cash. He also took questions from NonStop Local KHQ regarding the administration reducing refugee caps, he sided with the administration.
State Senator Cora Neumann (D-MT-30) visited food banks in the Gallatin Valley with State Senator Pat Flowers (D-MT-32) Neumann previously held a press conference with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) on the loss of health care access for Montanans.
SATURDAY (11/1):
SNAP fundning has lapsed.
FRIDAY (9/31):
The Senate adjourned and went home Thursday. Setting the government up for lapse in funding for SNAP.
Governor Bob Ferguson said on multiple court orders requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide funding SNAP:
“This is a big victory,” Governor Ferguson said. “Multiple judges have made it clear: The Trump Administration must stop holding hungry families hostage. The USDA has funds to provide these food benefits, and the Trump Administration needs to follow the law and do so.”
Governor Bob Ferguson (D-WA) directed nearly $2.2 million per week to provide additional support to Washington’s food banks. If SNAP funds are not restored on Nov. 1, Washington will proceed with that payment.
Attorney General Nick Brown (D-WA) filed a lawsuit against the USDA in Massachusetts, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful. The judge in that case, and another in separate case in Rhode Island, issued orders finding that USDA must use contingency funds to pay November SNAP benefits.
The Massachusetts judge instructed USDA to update the court by Monday about its progress, and whether it will pay full or partial benefits. The Rhode Island judge ordered USDA to distribute contingency funds and report to the court on Monday regarding the status of the distribution.
MONTANA:
From the newsletter of the Montana Office of Public Instruction:
As you’re aware, the federal government is still shut down. Although there are no new updates at this time and operations are continuing as usual, we recognize that concerns may increase especially as it is the end of the month. Regarding school nutrition reimbursements, carryover funding and recoveries are available to continue to reimburse schools as well as child and adult care providers for meals served in September and October. In addition, the Child Nutrition Programs are largely funded by the Section 32 transfer from Treasury, which can be made available in advance of annual appropriations acts. Impact Aid payments to districts may begin seeing disruptions if the federal shutdown continues. We continue to stay in touch with our federal and state partners and will share information as we have it.
THURSDAY (10/30):
The Senate adjourned with no CR passed.
Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-01-MT) spoke candidly with NonStop Local’s Bradley Warren about the ongoing government shutdown. The congressman, speaking from his office in D.C., expressed frustration with the overall closure and held Democrats responsible.
Congressman Zinke said he would support standalone legislation to fund SNAP and WIC, but again reiterated that he feels Congress did its job and Democrats should support the CR.
WEDNESDAY (10/22):
The Senate Democratic Caucus introduced a bill Tuesday to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funded spearheaded by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined the entire Senate Democratic led by Senator Luján in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, legislation that prevents the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
“Almost one million Washingtonians rely on the SNAP program to fill their pantries – yet the administration is withholding emergency funds that could feed families in need. It’s time to put the well-being of American families ahead of politics and start negotiating to fund SNAP and make healthcare more affordable,” Sen. Cantwell said.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) also signed onto the legislation.
Senator Luján (D-NM) went to the floor to ask for the bill to be passed by Unanimous Consent. Senator John Thune (R-SD) objected.
TUESDAY (10/28):
Votes are taking place, the CR did not pass.
The Vice President is expected to meet with Senate Republicans late today.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) posted this:
THURSDAY (10/23):
No CR votes took place today.
Today Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) send out a press release regarding SNAP.
The press release had a letter attached that the senator sent to the Secretary of Agriculture;
Dear Secretary Rollins,
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our nation’s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities. Any halt in SNAP funding will have devastating impacts for program beneficiaries, increasing food insecurity and undermining family budgets. Given the critical importance of SNAP benefits, the USDA must take all steps possible to ensure that families do not go hungry.
We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will “run out of money in two weeks.” In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November. First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown. In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November.
Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.
—
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) took opposition to the presidents position on Argentina beef.
More here.
WEDNESDAY (10/22):
The GOP CR failed for the 12th time
affecting Washingtonians, Montanans, Idahoans and Wyomingites alike.
Washingtonians on SNAP: 888,000
Idahoans on SNAP: 133,000
Montanans on SNAP: 81,000
Wyomingites on SNAP: 29,000
Via email a spokesperson for USDA said:
“We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. Continue to hold out for healthcare for illegals or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments.”
“Like this government shutdown, the lapse of SNAP benefits is entirely avoidable. Patty Murray and Senate Democrats are the ones blocking the clean funding measures that would end this crisis,” Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-05 WA) said to NonStop Locals Bradley Warren, “Instead of working to keep the government open and support families in need, they’ve chosen political games that threaten the livelihoods of everyday Americans. We need to reopen the government now and restore these benefits without delay. The people of Eastern Washington and across the nation deserve better than this.”
We took that statement Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) as her name was mentioned. “I want to reopen the government as soon as possible—the problem right now is Republicans won’t even talk to Democrats to negotiate a solution. We have to work together to make sure SNAP and every program is fully funded and to save people from getting crushed by health care premiums that more than doublem,” Murray said “As someone who briefly relied on food stamps as a kid, it’s appalling to me that Republicans voted to make the largest cut to SNAP in history this summer all to pass tax breaks for billionaires who didn’t need the extra help. I’m fighting to protect SNAP and every program that working people in this country rely on.”
Senator Jeff Muckley (D-OR) has spoken for 16 hours on the floor in protest of the administration. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined him on the floor and asked him a question in his protest.
He is still speaking.
Senator Muckley tweeted that he is holding the floor in protest, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) thanked him.
Today, despite the federal government being closed the USDA announced that it would reopen some offices.
Secretary Rollins is reopening county FSA offices, so farmers once again have access to core USDA services like farm loan processing, ARC/PLC, and disaster relief payments.
Via email a spokes person said:
“President Trump will not let the radical left Democrat shutdown impact critical USDA services while harvest is underway across the country. Thursday, USDA will resume Farm Service Agency core operations, including critical services for farm loan processing, ARC/PLC payments, and other programs. President Trump is committed to supporting America’s farmers and ranchers and this action will release over $3 billion in assistance for farmers that Democrats in Congress have held up for over 20 days.”
President Trump directed Secretary Rollins to take decisive action and bring back core USDA services and Farm Service Agency employees.
County offices will be staffed by two county office employees, five days a week.
Staff will perform normal functions for CCC funded programs while accepting information (i.e., application intake) related to programs funded by alternative sources.
TUESDAY: (10/21):
No CR votes took place today.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) were at The White House.
Daines was photographed with the president.
Despite the government being closed, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has passed legislation meant to prevent mid-air collisions.
The legislation was brought forward by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
It comes following the collision on January 29th between an Army Black Hawk Helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet landing near Washington D.C.
67 people were killed.
The legislation requires pretty much all aircraft and helicopters to use technology that allows aircraft to communicate their location with more precise accuracy.
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a resolution nominating President Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for launching Operation Warp Speed, which delivered vaccines during the pandemic.
President Trump calls Operation Warp Speed, “one of the greatest achievements ever.”
“Operation Warp Speed is a model of American strength and ingenuity. It would not have been possible without President Trump’s bold leadership. He bent an infamously slow bureaucracy to his will to bring a vaccine to market in under a year. Operation Warp Speed saved millions of lives in the United States and millions more lives around the world. President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his life-saving achievement,” said Senator Barrasso via press release.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on government funding.
Emails sent out by her team called today “the 21st day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown.”
“Well, President Trump could not be less focused on reopening the government or preventing premiums from exploding. But he is very focused on bailing out Argentina, and buying private jets for Secretary Noem, and bulldozing the White House so he can build a fancy new ballroom—even in the middle of a shutdown,” Murray said.
“While House Republicans can’t even be bothered to come back and do their jobs—for over a month now, over a month—health care premiums are, right now, going through the roof and you don’t have to take my word for it. Window shopping started in my state of Washington today, and it’s going to start in many other states as well.”
Last week we saw the shopping window open for Idaho which indicated pretty significant price changes.
“That means, today, families are logging on, looking for health coverage for next year, and coming face to face with massive price hikes because Republicans downright refuse to work with us to do something about it,” Murray said, “and this is not just happening in Washington state– I know, because I’ve been talking to people in Idaho and Montana as well. This crisis is hitting them just as hard, and in many ways, even harder.”
“Democrats are here, we are ready to get this done. But with window shopping under way, and open enrollment right around the corner, Republicans need to understand there is no time to waste.”
MONDAY (10/20):
The Senate is expected to vote on the CR today. It is not expected to pass.
THURSDAY (10/16):
The senate has failed to pass the GOP CR.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) was on FOX News this morning on the “No Kings Rally”:
“We’ve known about that for about two weeks from some of our Democrat colleagues who have quietly told us that. In fact, there’s 250 different far-left progressive groups that are part of this No Kings rally on Saturday. You can go on their website, and you can see it. Their logos are prominently displayed. As Speaker Johnson correctly said, this is a “We hate America rally” and the bottom line is the Democrats and the far left are very upset at the fact they lost the election last November. President Trump won in a landslide, we reclaimed the United States Senate, and we have the House. They are frustrated. They are angry. But sadly they are expressing their anger and frustration by shutting down the government and hurting the American people.”
WEDNESDAY (10/15):
The senate has failed to pass the GOP CR.
The social media back-and-forth between our lawmakers continue.
Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) had an exchange instigated by the Congressman.
“I joined House Republicans to vote to keep the government open. Patty Murray, who’s been in the Senate for THIRTY FOUR YEARS, voted to shutdown the government and then apparently flew off to California wine-country to party and fundraise with rich limousine liberals. Air traffic controllers risk missing paychecks while Patty drinks champagne with private jet elitists. It’s not a a game Patty – open the government up.”
This was attached to a photo which was an invitation for an event from the DSCC in Napa Valley, CA.
“I wasn’t in Napa. I was meeting with doctors in our state worried for their patients whose premiums are going to double or even quadruple.
By the way: you have 27,000 people who rely on ACA tax credits in your district. 237,000 on Medicaid.
Any plan to save their health care?”
We reached out to the Sen.’s office and they say the Congressman is emphatically incorrect and the senator was in Washington D.C.
Senator Murray is expected to host a press conference later today with state level Democrats in the state of Montana regarding healthcare. We will cover that press conference.
MONTANA:
Senator Murray (D-WA) is a name you dont normally hear in Montana– but today she lead a press conference with healthcare leaders in the state regarding premiums and the ACA subsidies.
In Montana, over 67,000 people rely on the ACA tax credits to afford their health insurance. Montanans with the tax credits pay an average monthly premium of $145, compared to $635 without the credit.
Data here.
“I know first-hand from my work in health care, that when people lose coverage, they stop seeking care. When they stop seeking care, they go to the ER for care. When they go to the ER, the hospital, it’s this vicious cycle, the hospital eats the costs. The hospital can’t stay open because they have to… absorb those costs. The hospital shuts down, and the entire community suffers, the economy and the health,” said Montana State Senator Cora Neumann (D-30). “Over 50% of Montana small businesses rely on Marketplace and Medicaid for coverage for their employees, so these small businesses could also collapse without this coverage… I want to ask our federal delegation, who are you working for?… Montanans overwhelmingly, across the state, want to extend these subsidies. And especially Senator Daines and Senator Sheehy, they have the power to call on their fellow Senators to sit down and have a conversation, and they are just turning the other way. So, I’m just I’m sickened by this, because I know what this means to my constituents, how much they’re already struggling to cover their health care costs. And I’m asking our delegation to answer to your constituents, not to your Republican bosses in Washington, because your bosses are the people of Montana.”
NonStop Local’s Bradley Warren asked Senator Murray about remarks from Republican lawmakers that Democrats would maintain their leverage power in a few weeks — if they opened the government.
“This is a situation where congress needs to act now with legislation to extend the tax credits,” Murray said “we repeatedly asked them extend these tax credits for the ACA and they refused to do so, this is not a new request.”
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and (R-MT) have both made remarks that negotiations can take place when Dems reopen, in previous remarks from Senator Murray she has said Republicans are not negotiating in good faith.
Downing indicated that he would like to see this conversation take place in committee or through appropriations vs. the way he feels Democrats are working.
Via text, a spokesperson for Senator Daines said:
“Senate Democrats are holding veterans and our troops hostage to score political points. If Senator Murray truly cares about the needs of her constituents, she should tell Chuck Schumer to reopen the government so our veterans can receive their healthcare benefits and our troops receive the pay raise they deserve.”
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is sounding as airports in Montana are announcing they will not air Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s shutdown messages, via text this morning his team said:
“Senator Daines agrees with Secretary Noem that Democrats are to blame for the shutdown. Chuck Schumer should open the government so our TSA agents can get paid,” a spokesperson for the Senator said.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, wrote to Acting Special Counsel Jamieson Greer demanding an investigation into Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Kristi Noem for likely Hatch Act violations related to a video featuring her airing at TSA screening locations across the country.
The Office of Special Counsel is responsible for enforcing the Hatch Act.
“When viewed in its totality, Secretary Noem’s video can only be reasonably interpreted as a partisan message intended to misleadingly malign the Trump Administration’s political opponents, convince Americans to blame ‘Democrats in Congress’ for the ongoing government shutdown, and influence their future votes—all while omitting the fact that Republicans currently control the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives,” said Senator Cantwell in her letter.
Idaho:
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans began in Idaho.
Without the tax credits, average out-of-pocket premiums are expected to rise by $1,200 a year in Idaho, a 75% increase, according to state health officials.
More than 100,000 people in Idaho got enhanced subsidies this year.
This has been a major sticking point for Democrats in the government shut down talks.
TUESDAY (10/14):
Efforts to reopen the government have hit another roadblock as Congress remains in a stalemate during the second week of the shutdown.
A Republican continuing resolution (CR) failed in the Senate, marking the first vote on the matter since last week. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the House, where Democratic leaders are currently holding a meeting.
Lawmakers have been seen entering and leaving this meeting on Tuesday. The Republican House Speaker stated that he would not negotiate with Democrats.
Earlier today, the Minority Leader said Democrats would not propose a new counteroffer to Republicans.
Due to the filibuster, Republicans require additional votes in the Senate to pass a Republican CR. The key number needed in the Senate is 60, but they are currently falling short.
The Senate is not expected to vote on the Democratic package this evening. Additionally, Republicans are no longer allowing Democrats the opportunity to vote on it alongside the CR.
MONDAY (10/13):
The senate is out until at least Tuesday.
Over the weekend Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) shared a video with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) outside of the senate floor asking him “who said this quote,” the quotes came from Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY.)
You can watch here.
Over the weekend Spokane Airport announced it would not play the government shut down video sent by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
“Due to the Airport’s established First Amendment Policy, it is unable to accommodate the request to post U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Noem’s video on the Airport’s owned monitor located in the public space of the Airport’s Terminal building. In Section 2, paragraph B “Prohibited Advertising Content,” item 12, specifically states, “Political issues. Advertisements that promote or oppose (i) the election of any person for any office; or (ii) any legislation, initiative, referendum or ballot proposition measure,” The Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for the Spokane airports said Sunday via text.
More .
Via text, a spokes person for the senators team directed us to statements from the Senator saying:
“Spokanes Airport won’t air Kristi Noem’s miserable propaganda, and that’s a good thing.
Donald Trump is not a king, and dog killer Kristi Noem can’t just force our airports to break the law on her behalf.”
SUNDAY (10/12):
Democrats have attributed the shutdown to Republicans’ refusal to negotiate on healthcare. Republicans argue that Democrats are pushing for healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants—a claim that U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has refuted.
“It’s not true, none of the things that we are talking about whether it’s the ACA tax credit or Medicaid/Medicare—undocumented immigrants today cannot access those programs,” Murray said. “This is a red herring they are trying to throw out, that they always use—undocumented immigrants—on everything they want to scare everybody about, not true.”
5th District Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) addressed the situation during a virtual press conference. He stated that Democrats are succumbing to pressure from what he described as the “far left.”
“Unfortunately the Democrats feel under a lot of pressure from their far left base that they’re not quote end quote ‘fighting hard enough against President Trump and they’ve decided to shut down the government essentially to demonstrate that they’re fighting,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a shutdown as a means to force policy changes.
FRIDAY (10/10):
The senate has gone home.
Today the transportation secretary said that there was a possibility that air traffic controllers could be fired for not showing up for work.
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) said in an interview this week with NonStop Local that he understood why they were not coming to work.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is responding to the presidents mass firings.
“Once again, when President Trump and his self-described ‘grim reaper’ decide to ignore the pleas of congressional Republicans and conduct more mass firings, they are choosing to inflict more pain on the American people,” Murray said via email release.
Senator Marie’s team maintains that she is standing by ready to negotiate Republicans to re-open the government but is adamant that a conversation about healthcare needs to take place.
“A shutdown does not give Trump or Vought new, special powers to cause more chaos or permanently weaken more basic services for the American people, and the simple fact is this administration has been recklessly firing—and rehiring—essential workers all year. This is nothing new, and no one should be intimidated by these crooks,” Murray said.
Activity on the Senate floor adjourned last evening and there is currently no believe that the Senate will be back until next week.
This means members of our military will officially missed a paycheck this week.
“Republican leadership shut down the government because they refuse to even sit down and talk with Democrats about how we keep the government funded and keep health care premiums from more than doubling next year,” Murray said, “The way we reopen government is compromise, a simple concept every American understands—and no amount of threats will change that. It’s past time President Trump and Republicans get serious about a solution to reopen the government and address exploding health care costs—and join us at the negotiating table.”
THURSDAY (10/09):
The senate has gone home. In short– the government will be closed at least until next week.
VOTE TRACKER: SENATE DEM package has failed.
VOTE TRACKER: GOP CR has failed.
Late yesterday Senator Patty Murray tweeted a clip from a press conference and for “being on vacation.”
She tweeted:
“A reporter asked me what my conversations have been like with @RepNewhouse and @RepBaumgartner Nonexistent—they’ve been on vacation. But if they WERE here, I’d say it’s YOUR constituents that are most at risk. You need to talk to Speaker Johnson about protecting health care.”
In response Congressman Baumgartner posted:
“Patty, you’ve been in the Senate for THIRTY FOUR YEARS. You know exactly how much damage you are doing to federal government workers, the military and those who depend on fed programs with your refusal to join Republicans in voting for a Biden era budget continuing spending resolution. It’s not a game, real people will be hurt. Show some bipartisan statesmanship, step back from this poltical nonsense and help the government reopen so that fuller budget discussions can continue. Do the right thing.”
Nonstop Local shutdown with the Congressman who took the republican standpoint, which is “we did our job, its now up to senate democrats to pass the CR.”
He also said the Senator has his phone number and can call whenever.
Nonstop Local reached out to Senator Murrays team who said her position remains, committed to negotiating with Republicans to reopening the government and accomplishing her noted healthcare goals for the American people.
WEDNESDAY (10/08):
VOTE TRACKER: SENATE DEM package has failed.
VOTE TRACKER: GOP CR has failed.
5:10 PM update, votes are taking place.
Senator Steve Danies (R-MT) is on the floor.
Senator Murray (D-WA) Senator Cantwell (D-WA) both on the floor at the same time
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) hosted a press conference today with stakeholders over the concern of loss of affordable healthcare and or the spike in premiums.
Speakers included Rebecca Staffel, a freelancer in Seattle, and Jason Lohr-Johnson, a self-employed video producer in Seattle, both of whom rely on the ACA tax credits to afford health insurance.
“On average, families who lose these tax credits are going to see their monthly premiums more than double. Some people will see their premiums costs triple, even quadruple. For many people, premiums will jump by over a thousand dollars a month. There are going to be millions of people who simply will not be able to stay uninsured, including an estimated 80,000 people in Washington state. In fact, there’s a new poll this week found that seven out of ten families would not be able to afford their coverage if premiums double, and four in ten would likely just go uninsured,” said Senator Murray. “That is the reality Republicans are now refusing to address. And if Republicans continue this refusal to act, it will mean people across America skip basic care, or skimp on prescriptions, or miss out on life-saving treatments. This was completely avoidable. It is completely avoidable. But only if Republican leaders stop sitting on their hands and start sitting at the negotiating table.”
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) spent the morning presiding over the United States Senate.
“Its incredible.. and an honor to be in the senate right now,” Sheehy said, “there is no question America is divided right now.”
The Senator from Montana disagreed with Senator Murray’s assessment on health care.
The Senator referencing the shut down and current gridlock in Washington.
“I firmly believe we agree on more than we disagree,” Sheehy said, “we have to get this done in the next week– our troops are not going to get paid.”
He added that he feels the shutdown could move into next week.
“This is probably going to last until — theres a “No Kings,” rally coming up next week here in DC, from what we are hearing Schumer wants to be marching at the front.”
Sheehy says he feels Democrats should have the conversation about healthcare in committee versus via the shutdown.
Multiple Democrats in our region have said they support the Democratic package as they don’t feel they have the leverage power in committee.
“This could be done in an hour, Schumer needs to come to the table,” Sheehy said, “Clean CR we are not changing anything about the government, let’s continue as is, and have this spending battle in 7 weeks.”
Watch the fill interview here:
TUESDAY (10/07):
Today the President is meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister. This comes on the heels of a new OMB memo that says fougerloud federal employees might not receive backpay.
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), the Senate Majority Whip, spoke on the Senate Floor about the impacts the shutdown from his perspective and its impact on Wyoming families.
“Democrats have now voted five times to keep the government closed. I’ve read their ransom note. Democrats are demanding taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants. They want to cut funding for rural hospitals to pay for it. That is their price to reopen the government. They’re holding the American people hostage,” Barrasso said on the floor.
You can watch Barrassos full remarks here.
Democrats have said they want to negotiate on the topic of health care. Republicans have said they are willing to do that when the Government is open. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) said that same sentiment to NonStop Local last week.
“I haven’t seen this much political theater since Hamilton,” Daines said last Friday.
Senator Daines says he feels Democrats will maintain the same amount of leverage as Republicans do not have enough votes to beat the filibuster. If they pass the House CR thats currently in the Senate it extend funding through mid November.
In short– we could find ourselves in the same position in November that we are now. Which is why Senator Daines feels that Democrats would maintain their leverage on healthcare negotiations.
““I hear Democrats claim they want to negotiate. Well, open the government. We are ready to negotiate. Every day Democrats choose to keep the government closed is another day spent ignoring and rejecting the priorities of the American people,” Barrasso said, “If Democrats actually want to negotiate, they would reopen the government today. It’s that simple. Today, the Senate will vote for the sixth time on a clean continuing resolution. It is something Democrats approved 13 times when Joe Biden was President. Senate Democrats have a choice. Vote yes and end the Schumer Shutdown. Or vote no and tell the American people why their pain and their opinion doesn’t matter to the Democrats.”
Last week we spoke with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) on the topic of negotiations. She says she’s waiting for Republicans to come to the table and get serious. And she feels their word is not genuine which is why Democrats are in the position they are in right now on the topic of health care.
“Why would we say oh lets give you the votes to open up government– on an empty promise, and then they will do the same thing they have been doing for eight months under this administration,” Murray said, “we need a commitment but they are actually going to work with us.”
If the Dem CR would have passed (which is unlikely) it would have including an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and money to offset medicaid cuts.
This web copy is being updated in real time.
Via email this morning Senator Patty Murrays (D-WA) team sent out her full floor speech on the topic.
“Let me just start by giving our lawless President and OMB Director a little primer on the letter of the law,” Murray said, “Because this morning we learned they’re plotting to try and rob furloughed federal workers of back pay at the end of this shutdown… and in fact, the OPM guidance the Administration actually issued last month reaffirmed that furloughed employees will be paid.”
You can watch her full remarks here.
MONDAY (10/06):
The shutdown is now in its sixth day.
VOTE TRACKER: SENATE DEM package has failed.
VOTE TRACKER: GOP HOUSE CR has failed.
Senator Tim Sheehy voting “NO” on the Senate floor, this vote was on the Dem CR.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt is currently briefing the press, she called this the “Democrat Shutdown,” she said Democrats are holding the government hostage and trying to give illegal immigrants health insurance, that is factually not correct, and has been fact checked several times.
“Its not true, none of the things that we are talking about weather is the ACA tax credit, or Medicaid/Medicare – undocumented immigrants today, cannot access those programs,” Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said, “this is a red herring they are trying to throw out, that they always use- undocumented immigrants—on everything they want to scare everybody about, not true.”
A VOTE WILL TAKE PLACE TONIGHT. Leavitt threatened that layoffs are coming.
The Speaker of the House has said he will not bRing the house back– he put blame at the feet of senate Democrats.
In short– with the house out, the pressure campaign is essentially, “pass the House version of the legislation,” if the senate makes edits, add amendments, or passes the Dem version (which is unlikely) it would need a House vote.
On Friday, Congressman Troy Downing (R-MT) said exclusively to NonStop Local, the house had done it job and he feels the Senate needs to pass the House version.
SATURDAY (10/04):
Government is still closed. The house has been sent home and no votes are expected in the senate.
FRIDAY (10/03):
VOTE TRACKER: 52 NAYS– the vote has failed on the senate bill sponsored by Democrats, the government stays closed.
VOTE TRACKER: The house version has failed.
The government is still closed.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is on the floor.
We asked the Senator, who is the ranking member on appropriations, what its like– to stand on the floor during a vote and whats going through her mind.
“What I am always thinking about is the people in Washington state,” Murray said, “these are the people who are in panic, I talked to some small business owners just a few weeks ago on Southwest Washington who do not know how they’re going to deal with this huge increase in their healthcare premiums, they are already being hit by the tariffs that the President has put on them.”
She said– thats who she’s thinking of as she watches senators coming to the floor.
“Im thinking, who are you talking to at home thats telling you things are ok,” Murray said.
“It shouldn’t be closed,” Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) told NonStop Locals Bradley Warren, “We are five democratic senators away, if they just join us here this afternoon for what we call a clean extension of funding between now and November 21.”
The Senator points out Democrats did this 13 times under the Biden administration, he says a CR would allow for appropriation conversations to continue.
“I haven’t seen this much political theater since Hamilton,” Daines said.
Senator Daines responded to remarks from Senator Murray about Democrats looking for assurances that healthcare conversations would actually take place.
“I respectfully disagree with Senator Murray,” Daiens said, “if they stop the shut down by voting with us here this afternoon they will extend funding till November.”
The senator says Democrats have a lot of leverage and will continue to maintain that leverage into November.
He says negotiations can begin in earnest when Government reopens. Senator Murray said yesterday she feels that wont be the case, saying she has concern giving votes to Republicans on empty promises based on the last eight months.
The senator says he feels Schumer’s leadership position is in question and that he’s pandering to the far-left portion of his party.
Some reporting from NBC indicates there is truth to that.
“There were some really good conversations last night, and I don’t want to provide the details out of respect my Democratic colleagues,” Daines said, “who in ernest are trying to find a way through this.”
Senator Daines is on the floor, NonStop Local just spoke to him, updates to come.
THURSDAY:
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) sat for an interview with NonStop Local, she firmly places blame for the shut down at the feet of the Republicans.
“We have been telling Republicans for weeks now that we want to make sure that people care insurance doesn’t skyrocket in January,” Murray said, “and we want assurances that the bills we approved together, Republicans and Democrats will be followed in the law, by the president.”
The senator says Republicans chose to ignore meeting requests from Democrats and that Democrats are working hard to get Republicans to the table.
Late yesterday OMD and the President made announcements about potential mass firings and the cutting of appropriated funds into the tune of $8 billion for programs and 16 states.
Those states are blue states that voted for Harris.
“It is unprecedented that the President of the United States is using this opportunity to threaten people and take away funding for projects that have nothing to do with a shut down,” Murray said, “we are at the table we are ready to negotiate he doesn’t need to have a temper tantrum, he doesn’t need to scare people, what they need to do is come talk to us.”
During previous shut downs — mass firings have not taken place.
The bulk of this conversation has roots in healthcare. Republicans have said they’re willing to have that conversation, but they do not feel it should be done at the expense of the the government being open, they would like a CR and say healthcare negotiations can take place after the CR passes.
Senator Murray says she doesn’t have faith that will take place.
“Why would we say oh lets give you the votes to open up government– on an empty promise, and then they will do the same thing they have been doing for eight months under this administration,” Murray said, “we need a commitment but they are actually going to work with us.”
You can WATCH the full sit down here:
Several top government websites now are running a banner that say “The Radical Left,” has shut down the government.
Democratic aids said via email that the Trump administration’s message on the websites likely violates a government-wide provision in standing spending laws.
Pages 290 and 291 have the word for word language.
Wednesday:
WASHINGTON — The federal government is closed, and Washington D.C. appears to be locked in a stalemate. NonStop Local is tracking reaction from lawmakers across the northwest.
Idaho:
Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID) says conversations were ongoing to keep the government operational throughout Tuesday.
“The Republicans in the House really did their job, we sent a bill over to the Senate,” Fulcher said, “it was a continuation of funding for the government through November 21. which would give us time to finish the appropriations [process.]”
The congressman said the sticking point have to do with healthcare and he didn’t feel Republicans would back down given the recent legislative wins and presidential win they’ve had.
“I don’t think that Republicans have come this far with the “Big Beautiful Bill and these policies to stop at this point, and reversed course,” Fulcher said. “They want to [Democrats] reinsert taxpayer health care for illegals, they want to repeal a lot of money that we put in for border security, really it’s kind of a relitigation of a lot of things that got passed in the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) called the Democratic proposal “unserious” on social media.
“(Democrats) are demanding an unserious proposal that would increase government spending by a staggering $1 trillion and wipe out a vast majority of the savings Republicans have worked diligently to pass since the start of the Congress. The Senate will keep voting to reopen the government–Democrats have the choice either to support a CR as they did 13 times under the previous Administration, or pursue unreasonable political objectives.
Washington:
We asked Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) about these remarks, she is the ranking member on the appropriations committee, and was on the floor all night as votes took place, her team responded with the fact check article from the New York Times and this statement:
“Republicans are outright lying because their attacks on health care are massively unpopular. Here’s the simple truth: undocumented immigrants are not eligible to enroll in federally-funded health coverage under existing law or Democrats’ funding proposal—but millions of American citizens will see their health care premiums double next year if Republicans keep refusing to act,” Senator Murray said via email statement, “At a time when prices for just about everything are skyrocketing, Republicans are making matters worse and refusing to work with Democrats to prevent Americans’ premiums from doubling.”
Both Democrats and Republicans have sent legislation to the Senate that did not pass – that ended in the closure of government operations Wednesday.
Republicans control all three branches of government, but to bypass the filibuster, also known as cloture they need it 60 votes in the senate, which Republicans do not have.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) took to social media to blame Democrats.
“The Democrats should step back from their short-sighted plan to use a government shutdown to placate their base and attempt to expand Obamacare,” Baumgartner wrote. “It won’t work. Important Federal employees and tax-paying citizens will suffer as a result.”
UPDATE WED 1:15 PT-
Congressman Michael Baumgartner notified the Chief Administrative Officer, Catherine Szpindor of his decision to defer his congressional salary until during the shut down in solidarity with furloughed members of our armed forces.
“It’s disappointing that Democrats have taken the reckless step of shutting down the Government. Eastern Washington is home to Fairchild Air Force Base and countless military families who make sacrifices for this nation every day,” said Baumgartner. “It is unacceptable that the men and women who wear the uniform and stand guard for our freedoms should ever have their pay withheld because of dysfunction in Washington DC. I will continue working to restore government funding responsibly and ensure our service members receive the support they have earned.”
Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-04) spoke to NonStop Local early today and said Republicans are asking for more time Democrats are asking for policy decisions.
Wyoming:
Early on Republicans branded this “The Schumer Shutdown,” calling the Minority leader more liberal than AOC. That statements for echoed early Wednesday by Senator Barrasso (R-WY.)
““Senate Democrats have now officially dragged our nation into a Schumer Shutdown. This shutdown did not have to happen, and it certainly does not need to continue,” Barrasso said on the floor. “There is only one good option to reopen the government. That option is the bipartisan, clean continuing resolution that we will vote on this morning. The House already passed it with bipartisan support. President Trump is ready to sign it. Senate Republicans voted to pass it yesterday. All it takes to reopen the government is cooperation from just five more Senate Democrats. We picked up three Democrats last night.”
Montana:
Early today Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) was on CNBCS “Squawk Box,” and said he was hoping to shut down is not long, and that this will come to an end when five more Democrats joining republicans to pass a temporary extension.
That temporary expansion will run through November 21st.
Senator Daines was among the first brand it “The Schumer Shut Down.”
This statement was emailed out last night before the shut down went into full force.
“Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats showed their true colors when they ignored the best interests of the American people and voted to shut down the federal government tonight,” Daines via email release, “Shutdowns do nothing but hurt our country- our brave service members will not get paid and millions of Montanans, including our veterans, will lose access to services they depend on. This shutdown is nothing but an attempt by Senate Democrats to score political points from their radical base, but the American people see right through it. I’ll keep fighting to re-open the government, so we can get back to work delivering wins for Montana and the nation.”
Montana’s newly elected republican senator, Senator Tim Sheehy pointed the finger to the far left.
“Chuck Schumer and the Democrats put partisan games over the best interests of the American people and shut down the government,” Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) said, “Democrats are holding critical resources for our military, veterans, and hardworking Montana families hostage to appease their radical, far-left base. I was elected on a promise to restore common sense in our nation’s capital, and I’ll keep voting to stop the Schumer Shutdown and get back to work.”
Article originally published October 1, 2025 at 11:06 a.m.
