The U.S. government shutdown continues as Republicans are reportedly considering a longer continuing resolution (CR), though the exact duration remains TBD, with appropriators advocating for an end in December and some discussions pointing to a full-year CR. This development, reported via X by Jordain Carney on October 21st, 2025, comes amid ongoing negotiations where Republicans are willing to grant Democrats a vote on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) immediately following a CR vote, according to a Politico report. Democrats are expressing concern over the potential for the Supreme Court to weaken the Voting Rights Act, following indications from conservative justices during a Louisiana redistricting case that they are open to such a move, as reported by NOTUS. In unrelated news, President Donald Trump commented on watching baseball, noting a Japanese player he described as "one of the best pitchers I've ever seen, one of best hitters I've ever seen," and adding, "They say one of best games ever played," according to an X post by Howard Mortman on October 21st, 2025. Previous reports from October 20th, 2025, detailed Senate GOP Leader John Thune's statement that Paul Ingrassia's nomination for Office of Special Counsel is unlikely to pass, and that the White House has an inspection scheduled for October 21st concerning potential illegal construction. Additionally, Dutch intelligence reportedly suspended sharing arrangements with the U.S. due to concerns about high-level intelligence being shared with Russia, while NATO allies are reportedly increasing intelligence sharing.
