On the eighth day of the federal government shutdown, the Senate blocked a Democratic short-term funding bill for the sixth time along party lines, with 47 votes in favor and 52 against, failing to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance. The bill would have funded the government through October 31 and extended expiring healthcare tax credits. Following the vote, the Senate proceeded to a procedural vote on the GOP continuing resolution. Concurrently, Speaker Mike Johnson was confronted by Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly outside his office, with Gallego accusing Johnson of "covering up for pedophiles" by not swearing in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, a key vote for releasing Epstein files. During the confrontation, which was observed by reporters, Gallego and Kelly pressed Speaker Johnson on his refusal to swear in Grijalva, with Johnson stating he would do so when the government reopens and that the matter had nothing to do with Epstein. Johnson also explained that Representatives Fine and Petronis were sworn in on pro forma sessions due to the House being on recess. Meanwhile, Democrats are advocating for their short-term funding bill, which they state would reopen the government and extend healthcare tax credits, while accusing Republicans of prioritizing partisan politics over the well-being of Americans. House Democrats are scheduled to convene to discuss the "devastating impacts of Republicans' manufactured shutdown and health care crisis," according to Whip Katherine Clark. In broader political commentary, an analysis of X (formerly Twitter) usage indicates a significant shift, with users who get their news on the platform now being more likely to be Republican by a 14-point margin, compared to being more likely to be Democratic by a 37-point margin pre-Musk. Some Democrats have migrated to platforms like Threads and Bluesky, but these remain less popular than X. Separately, House Republicans are criticizing Democrats for holding the government "hostage" to appease a "radical base," while House Democrats are preparing to expose the impacts of the shutdown and healthcare crisis. Representative Bob Onder, as Chairman of the House Values Action Team, joined colleagues in speaking out against the FDA's approval of mifepristone. Further divisions were highlighted by Representative Langworthy, who stated that the Democratic funding bill "completely GUTS" the Rural Health Transformation Fund while allowing healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants, which he described as "wrong." Senator Tom Cotton introduced a bill to ensure men and women are separated in federal prisons, citing increased risk of sexual assault for female inmates. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi asserted that Democrats would not yield to giving tax cuts to the rich in exchange for bipartisanship. On the economic front, reports suggest that Donald Trump's campaign staff are encouraging him to call for the immediate arrest of Governor J.B. Pritzker. In previous developments, former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, with his trial date set for January 5th, 2026. The government shutdown, now in its eighth day, continues as the Senate votes on funding measures. Senator Angus King has stated he will continue to vote for continuing resolutions to end the shutdown, expressing frustration with the administration's actions. The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Jonathan Rinderknecht for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire. Additionally, the Pentagon eased press restrictions following negotiations with national news organizations.
