• Shutdown stalemate: Senate Democrats involved in talks to end the shutdown, now the longest in US history at 36 days, are trying to use their party’s momentum in Tuesday’s elections to spur Republicans to support a compromise to temporarily extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies with some reforms, sources tell CNN.
• Trump meets GOP lawmakers: President Donald Trump — who blamed the shutdown in part for GOP losses in the contests — urged Republican senators this morning to eliminate the filibuster to reopen the government, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune again ruled out.
• Ongoing impacts: The White House said yesterday it would follow through with plans to partially fund food aid benefits after Trump threatened to withhold them until the shutdown ends. Meanwhile, Federal Aviation Administration staffing shortages have been causing delays at major airports.
Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson told reporters Wednesday afternoon that Democrats have been “emboldened” by yesterday’s election results as the government shutdown now enters its 36th day.
“I’m afraid the Democrats have been emboldened by the election yesterday. That’s what we’re hearing,” he said. “I don’t know. Again, I thought maybe if they had success, okay, good, you did the shutdown to your benefit this election. Now, let’s open it up. I’m not sure that’s going to happen again. I can’t speak for Democrats. We’ve got to talk to them.”
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