6 stories credited to The Denver Post
Latest story Sep 17, 2026 · on ChamberLight since Apr 2026
A story can appear as several articles (copies of the same piece), so counts of stories and of articles differ.
Scores for The Denver Post
Writing quality not enough rated stories yet: 1 of 10. How it is measured
Scores last checked Sep 25, 2026.
Stories ChamberLight collected, by month
Stories credited to The Denver Post, by publication date. ChamberLight collects articles that mention the officials it tracks, so this shows its own coverage of this source, not how much the source publishes.
- Stories from The Denver Post
- Shaded: ChamberLight collected no stories, or almost none, from any outlet (a gap in its collection, not in the outlet’s publishing)
Show as a table
| Month | Stories | All outlets |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | 1 | 39 |
| November 2025 | 1 | 79 |
| December 2025 | 0 | 27 |
| January 2026 | 0 | 87 |
| February 2026 | 2 | 180 |
| March 2026 | 1 | 1,094 |
| April 2026 | 0 | 4,537 |
| May 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| June 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| July 2026 | 0 | none collected |
| August 2026 | 0 | 1 (collection gap) |
| September 2026 | 1 | 598 |
Top topics
Share of this source’s stories tagged with each topic. A story can carry several topics, so the shares do not add up to 100%.
- Budget/Spending5
83% of 6 stories · 32% across all outlets
- Economy2
33% of 6 stories · 25% across all outlets
- Ethics/Corruption2
33% of 6 stories · 60% across all outlets
- Healthcare2
33% of 6 stories · 7% across all outlets
- Defense/Military1
17% of 6 stories · 25% across all outlets
- Foreign Policy1
17% of 6 stories · 29% across all outlets
- Immigration1
17% of 6 stories · 13% across all outlets
- Infrastructure1
17% of 6 stories · 8% across all outlets
The thin mark on each bar is the topic’s share across all outlets.
Who they cover
Party of the officials these stories are mainly about, across all 15 officials named. A story counts once for each official it is mainly about, so the split is over 22 story–official pairs, from 6 stories.
- Republican50% · 11 pairs
- Democrat36% · 8 pairs
- Party not recorded14% · 3 pairs
Most covered
Stories mainly about each official, and their share of the source’s 6 stories.
- 1Donald TrumpR3 stories · 50%
- 2Charles SchumerD2 stories · 33%
- 3John HickenlooperD2 stories · 33%
- 4John ThuneR2 stories · 33%
- 5Michael BennetD2 stories · 33%
- 6Mike JohnsonR2 stories · 33%
- 7Alexander Kelloff–1 story · 17%
- 8Brittany PettersenD1 story · 17%
- 9Dwayne Romero–1 story · 17%
- 10Gabe EvansR1 story · 17%
+ 5 other officials (5 story–official pairs)
Article tone
ChamberLight’s article analysis assigns each story a tone toward the official it covers. It describes the coverage of that official, not The Denver Post’s stance, and reader votes do not change it. 6 stories.
- Good Look
- 1 (17%)
- Mixed
- 4 (67%)
- Informational
- 1 (17%)
- Bad Look
- 0 (0%)
Challenges to these scores
No one has challenged a score on this page yet. Anyone can; editors publish every outcome here.
Articles served from denverpost.com
23
House passes water package with $208 million for Colorado -- plus latest attempt to revive vetoed pipeline bill
A bipartisan water bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes $208 million for Colorado projects and would revive federal financing for a pipeline that was vetoed by President Donald Trump late last year. The House voted 415-9 Wednesday night to pass the Water Resources Development A
New Democrat’s entrance in race sets up Aspen-area primary to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd
The entry this week of an Aspen-area Democrat in the primary to represent vast swaths of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives sets up a race between two businessmen from the Roaring Fork Valley. Dwayne Romero on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — which covers western and southern Colorado, including much of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. Alex Kelloff, a businessman from Old Snowmass, entered the race last April. Both men aim to unseat freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney elected to the seat in 2024. Romero, who now lives in Snowmass Village, moved to Colorado in 1997 after serving in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed in the Persian Gulf War. He lived in Carbondale for six years before moving to Aspen in 2003. He runs a real estate company in the Roaring Fork Valley called the Romero Group. He previously served on the Aspen School District’s board, the Aspen City Council, and the boards of the Aspen Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. He also spent a year as the state’s chief economic development director under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. He emphasized his military service in his announcement as well as his upbringing as the child of a single mom who relied on food stamps to make ends meet. Kelloff’s campaign points to his family’s deep roots in western Colorado, which stretch back four generations. Kelloff co-founded Armada Skis and spent the majority of his career working for several large investment firms. Both Kelloff and Romero pledged to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration, including opposing budget cuts to social services. Related Articles Amid Trump election threats, Colorado House passes bill that would extend mail voting, drop-off periods Democrats set sights on U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s district, which he won by 14 points. Will it matter this year? One Democratic challenger raised more than 10 times as much as Rep. Lauren Boebert last quarter “I’m running for Congress because Jeff Hurd and Donald Trump have taken too much,” Romero said in his first campaign ad. In 2024, Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch 50.8% to 45.8%. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District — which before Hurd was represented by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert — as “likely Republican” in this year’s midterm election. Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
New Democrat’s entrance in race sets up Aspen-area primary to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd
The entry this week of an Aspen-area Democrat in the primary to represent vast swaths of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives sets up a race between two businessmen from the Roaring Fork Valley. Dwayne Romero on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — which covers western and southern Colorado, including much of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. Alex Kelloff, a businessman from Old Snowmass, entered the race last April. Both men aim to unseat freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney elected to the seat in 2024. Romero, who now lives in Snowmass Village, moved to Colorado in 1997 after serving in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed in the Persian Gulf War. He lived in Carbondale for six years before moving to Aspen in 2003. He runs a real estate company in the Roaring Fork Valley called the Romero Group. He previously served on the Aspen School District’s board, the Aspen City Council, and the boards of the Aspen Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. He also spent a year as the state’s chief economic development director under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. He emphasized his military service in his announcement as well as his upbringing as the child of a single mom who relied on food stamps to make ends meet. Kelloff’s campaign points to his family’s deep roots in western Colorado, which stretch back four generations. Kelloff co-founded Armada Skis and spent the majority of his career working for several large investment firms. Both Kelloff and Romero pledged to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration, including opposing budget cuts to social services. Related Articles Amid Trump election threats, Colorado House passes bill that would extend mail voting, drop-off periods Democrats set sights on U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s district, which he won by 14 points. Will it matter this year? One Democratic challenger raised more than 10 times as much as Rep. Lauren Boebert last quarter “I’m running for Congress because Jeff Hurd and Donald Trump have taken too much,” Romero said in his first campaign ad. In 2024, Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch 50.8% to 45.8%. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District — which before Hurd was represented by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert — as “likely Republican” in this year’s midterm election. Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
New Democrat’s entrance in race sets up Aspen-area primary to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd
The entry this week of an Aspen-area Democrat in the primary to represent vast swaths of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives sets up a race between two businessmen from the Roaring Fork Valley. Dwayne Romero on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — which covers western and southern Colorado, including much of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. Alex Kelloff, a businessman from Old Snowmass, entered the race last April. Both men aim to unseat freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney elected to the seat in 2024. Romero, who now lives in Snowmass Village, moved to Colorado in 1997 after serving in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed in the Persian Gulf War. He lived in Carbondale for six years before moving to Aspen in 2003. He runs a real estate company in the Roaring Fork Valley called the Romero Group. He previously served on the Aspen School District’s board, the Aspen City Council, and the boards of the Aspen Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. He also spent a year as the state’s chief economic development director under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. He emphasized his military service in his announcement as well as his upbringing as the child of a single mom who relied on food stamps to make ends meet. Kelloff’s campaign points to his family’s deep roots in western Colorado, which stretch back four generations. Kelloff co-founded Armada Skis and spent the majority of his career working for several large investment firms. Both Kelloff and Romero pledged to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration, including opposing budget cuts to social services. Related Articles Amid Trump election threats, Colorado House passes bill that would extend mail voting, drop-off periods Democrats set sights on U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s district, which he won by 14 points. Will it matter this year? One Democratic challenger raised more than 10 times as much as Rep. Lauren Boebert last quarter “I’m running for Congress because Jeff Hurd and Donald Trump have taken too much,” Romero said in his first campaign ad. In 2024, Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch 50.8% to 45.8%. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District — which before Hurd was represented by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert — as “likely Republican” in this year’s midterm election. Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
New Democrat’s entrance in race sets up Aspen-area primary to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd
The entry this week of an Aspen-area Democrat in the primary to represent vast swaths of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives sets up a race between two businessmen from the Roaring Fork Valley. Dwayne Romero on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — which covers western and southern Colorado, including much of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. Alex Kelloff, a businessman from Old Snowmass, entered the race last April. Both men aim to unseat freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney elected to the seat in 2024. Romero, who now lives in Snowmass Village, moved to Colorado in 1997 after serving in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed in the Persian Gulf War. He lived in Carbondale for six years before moving to Aspen in 2003. He runs a real estate company in the Roaring Fork Valley called the Romero Group. He previously served on the Aspen School District’s board, the Aspen City Council, and the boards of the Aspen Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. He also spent a year as the state’s chief economic development director under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. He emphasized his military service in his announcement as well as his upbringing as the child of a single mom who relied on food stamps to make ends meet. Kelloff’s campaign points to his family’s deep roots in western Colorado, which stretch back four generations. Kelloff co-founded Armada Skis and spent the majority of his career working for several large investment firms. Both Kelloff and Romero pledged to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration, including opposing budget cuts to social services. Related Articles Amid Trump election threats, Colorado House passes bill that would extend mail voting, drop-off periods Democrats set sights on U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s district, which he won by 14 points. Will it matter this year? One Democratic challenger raised more than 10 times as much as Rep. Lauren Boebert last quarter “I’m running for Congress because Jeff Hurd and Donald Trump have taken too much,” Romero said in his first campaign ad. In 2024, Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch 50.8% to 45.8%. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District — which before Hurd was represented by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert — as “likely Republican” in this year’s midterm election. Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
New Democrat’s entrance in race sets up Aspen-area primary to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd
The entry this week of an Aspen-area Democrat in the primary to represent vast swaths of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives sets up a race between two businessmen from the Roaring Fork Valley. Dwayne Romero on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — which covers western and southern Colorado, including much of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. Alex Kelloff, a businessman from Old Snowmass, entered the race last April. Both men aim to unseat freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney elected to the seat in 2024. Romero, who now lives in Snowmass Village, moved to Colorado in 1997 after serving in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed in the Persian Gulf War. He lived in Carbondale for six years before moving to Aspen in 2003. He runs a real estate company in the Roaring Fork Valley called the Romero Group. He previously served on the Aspen School District’s board, the Aspen City Council, and the boards of the Aspen Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. He also spent a year as the state’s chief economic development director under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. He emphasized his military service in his announcement as well as his upbringing as the child of a single mom who relied on food stamps to make ends meet. Kelloff’s campaign points to his family’s deep roots in western Colorado, which stretch back four generations. Kelloff co-founded Armada Skis and spent the majority of his career working for several large investment firms. Both Kelloff and Romero pledged to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration, including opposing budget cuts to social services. Related Articles Amid Trump election threats, Colorado House passes bill that would extend mail voting, drop-off periods Democrats set sights on U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s district, which he won by 14 points. Will it matter this year? One Democratic challenger raised more than 10 times as much as Rep. Lauren Boebert last quarter “I’m running for Congress because Jeff Hurd and Donald Trump have taken too much,” Romero said in his first campaign ad. In 2024, Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch 50.8% to 45.8%. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the 3rd District — which before Hurd was represented by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert — as “likely Republican” in this year’s midterm election. Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’
Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting largely along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli officials say was killed in the attack. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution. “Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.” Bennet, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he has seen no new information to suggest Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon is more imminent. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, criticized Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to seek Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said. Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations and highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said. Related Articles The Latest: Trump says Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead UN nuclear watchdog says it’s unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment Trump says he is ‘not happy’ with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he’ll give them more time Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is ‘winning so much’ Trump warns he’s considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent Hurd also said military action was important for national security. “I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.” Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert did not explicitly acknowledge the attack, posting on X that she is “praying for safety for our service members and wisdom for our leaders.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story and may be updated. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado Congressional Democrats demand ICE abandon plans for Hudson immigration detention center
Three of Colorado’s congressional Democrats are calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to abandon plans to open a new immigration detention facility in the small Weld County town of Hudson. “As ICE agents continue to terrorize our communities, illegally detain U.S. citizens and skirt congressional oversight of existing facilities, we strongly oppose the expansion of ICE detention beds in Colorado,” U.S. Rep. Brittany Petterson and Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE director Todd Lyons. Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado revealed that ICE had identified a defunct private prison in Hudson as the site for a new immigration detention center, the Big Horn Facility, that would expand detention beds from 1,532 at ICE’s existing detention facility in Aurora to more than 2,700 beds across the state. The documents showed that ICE issued a contract to the GEO Group for $39,042,069 for six months of services at the Big Horn Facility, according to the congressional letter. The documents were heavily redacted, so details about the contract — including terms and pricing — were not yet known. The status of the contract remains unclear. DHS representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. “We are deeply concerned that this expansion will lead to decreased oversight, reduced access to legal representation for detained individuals and increased geographical barriers for visitors,” Petterson, Bennet and Hickenlooper wrote. “The GEO Group and ICE have a demonstrated history of blocking Congressional oversight of the Aurora GEO Detention Facility by refusing Members of Congress access to the facility, withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework inquiries. There is no reason to believe that these illegal actions will not be continued in the Big Horn Facility.” ICE also redacted more than 100 pages of documents from late August that appeared to justify why the agency should award a sole contract to the GEO Group for the Hudson facility without full and open competition. The possible ICE expansion into Hudson has drawn opposition from across Colorado. Protesters have gathered outside the former private prison multiple times and flooded the small town’s council meetings, pleading with Hudson leaders to push back against the proposed plans. Related Articles Protesters decry ICE’s new immigration detention facility planned for northern Colorado Colorado faith communities rally around state’s immigrants in face of ICE deportation push In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries ‘Grassroots’ movement of local residents keeps a watchful eye at Denver immigration court Denver will end relationship with Flock as mayor announces new provider for license plate cameras The congressional letter noted that the facility’s remote location would hinder family and legal representatives from visiting detained immigrants, delaying legal proceedings and limiting access to counsel. “We therefore seek clarity into the Department of Homeland Security decision to authorize such a facility and what actions it will take to ensure those detained in the facility will have equal and adequate access to legal representation as their cases remain ongoing,” they wrote. “We strongly oppose the use of the Big Horn Detention Center as an ICE detention facility, and we urge DHS to immediately abandon plans to expand detention capacity in Colorado.” Pettersen, Bennet and Hickenlooper requested responses to eight questions by March 13. They asked for confirmation that the GEO Group had already received and spent nearly $39 million prior to anyone being detained in the facility, and requested an itemized explanation of how that money was spent. They also asked how many beds ICE expects the facility to hold and what steps will be taken to ensure health and safety standards are met. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado Congressional Democrats demand ICE abandon plans for Hudson immigration detention center
Three of Colorado’s congressional Democrats are calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to abandon plans to open a new immigration detention facility in the small Weld County town of Hudson. “As ICE agents continue to terrorize our communities, illegally detain U.S. citizens and skirt congressional oversight of existing facilities, we strongly oppose the expansion of ICE detention beds in Colorado,” U.S. Rep. Brittany Petterson and Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE director Todd Lyons. Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado revealed that ICE had identified a defunct private prison in Hudson as the site for a new immigration detention center, the Big Horn Facility, that would expand detention beds from 1,532 at ICE’s existing detention facility in Aurora to more than 2,700 beds across the state. The documents showed that ICE issued a contract to the GEO Group for $39,042,069 for six months of services at the Big Horn Facility, according to the congressional letter. The documents were heavily redacted, so details about the contract — including terms and pricing — were not yet known. The status of the contract remains unclear. DHS representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. “We are deeply concerned that this expansion will lead to decreased oversight, reduced access to legal representation for detained individuals and increased geographical barriers for visitors,” Petterson, Bennet and Hickenlooper wrote. “The GEO Group and ICE have a demonstrated history of blocking Congressional oversight of the Aurora GEO Detention Facility by refusing Members of Congress access to the facility, withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework inquiries. There is no reason to believe that these illegal actions will not be continued in the Big Horn Facility.” ICE also redacted more than 100 pages of documents from late August that appeared to justify why the agency should award a sole contract to the GEO Group for the Hudson facility without full and open competition. The possible ICE expansion into Hudson has drawn opposition from across Colorado. Protesters have gathered outside the former private prison multiple times and flooded the small town’s council meetings, pleading with Hudson leaders to push back against the proposed plans. Related Articles Protesters decry ICE’s new immigration detention facility planned for northern Colorado Colorado faith communities rally around state’s immigrants in face of ICE deportation push In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries ‘Grassroots’ movement of local residents keeps a watchful eye at Denver immigration court Denver will end relationship with Flock as mayor announces new provider for license plate cameras The congressional letter noted that the facility’s remote location would hinder family and legal representatives from visiting detained immigrants, delaying legal proceedings and limiting access to counsel. “We therefore seek clarity into the Department of Homeland Security decision to authorize such a facility and what actions it will take to ensure those detained in the facility will have equal and adequate access to legal representation as their cases remain ongoing,” they wrote. “We strongly oppose the use of the Big Horn Detention Center as an ICE detention facility, and we urge DHS to immediately abandon plans to expand detention capacity in Colorado.” Pettersen, Bennet and Hickenlooper requested responses to eight questions by March 13. They asked for confirmation that the GEO Group had already received and spent nearly $39 million prior to anyone being detained in the facility, and requested an itemized explanation of how that money was spent. They also asked how many beds ICE expects the facility to hold and what steps will be taken to ensure health and safety standards are met. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Colorado Congressional Democrats demand ICE abandon plans for Hudson immigration detention center
Three of Colorado’s congressional Democrats are calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to abandon plans to open a new immigration detention facility in the small Weld County town of Hudson. “As ICE agents continue to terrorize our communities, illegally detain U.S. citizens and skirt congressional oversight of existing facilities, we strongly oppose the expansion of ICE detention beds in Colorado,” U.S. Rep. Brittany Petterson and Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE director Todd Lyons. Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado revealed that ICE had identified a defunct private prison in Hudson as the site for a new immigration detention center, the Big Horn Facility, that would expand detention beds from 1,532 at ICE’s existing detention facility in Aurora to more than 2,700 beds across the state. The documents showed that ICE issued a contract to the GEO Group for $39,042,069 for six months of services at the Big Horn Facility, according to the congressional letter. The documents were heavily redacted, so details about the contract — including terms and pricing — were not yet known. The status of the contract remains unclear. DHS representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. “We are deeply concerned that this expansion will lead to decreased oversight, reduced access to legal representation for detained individuals and increased geographical barriers for visitors,” Petterson, Bennet and Hickenlooper wrote. “The GEO Group and ICE have a demonstrated history of blocking Congressional oversight of the Aurora GEO Detention Facility by refusing Members of Congress access to the facility, withholding answers to oversight questions, and failing to respond to congressional casework inquiries. There is no reason to believe that these illegal actions will not be continued in the Big Horn Facility.” ICE also redacted more than 100 pages of documents from late August that appeared to justify why the agency should award a sole contract to the GEO Group for the Hudson facility without full and open competition. The possible ICE expansion into Hudson has drawn opposition from across Colorado. Protesters have gathered outside the former private prison multiple times and flooded the small town’s council meetings, pleading with Hudson leaders to push back against the proposed plans. Related Articles Protesters decry ICE’s new immigration detention facility planned for northern Colorado Colorado faith communities rally around state’s immigrants in face of ICE deportation push In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries ‘Grassroots’ movement of local residents keeps a watchful eye at Denver immigration court Denver will end relationship with Flock as mayor announces new provider for license plate cameras The congressional letter noted that the facility’s remote location would hinder family and legal representatives from visiting detained immigrants, delaying legal proceedings and limiting access to counsel. “We therefore seek clarity into the Department of Homeland Security decision to authorize such a facility and what actions it will take to ensure those detained in the facility will have equal and adequate access to legal representation as their cases remain ongoing,” they wrote. “We strongly oppose the use of the Big Horn Detention Center as an ICE detention facility, and we urge DHS to immediately abandon plans to expand detention capacity in Colorado.” Pettersen, Bennet and Hickenlooper requested responses to eight questions by March 13. They asked for confirmation that the GEO Group had already received and spent nearly $39 million prior to anyone being detained in the facility, and requested an itemized explanation of how that money was spent. They also asked how many beds ICE expects the facility to hold and what steps will be taken to ensure health and safety standards are met. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide
By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks. President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger. Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, is set to meet early Wednesday for breakfast with GOP senators. But no talks have been scheduled with the Democrats. “Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: health care premiums,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in a late evening speech. “Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” she said. With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations are high that the logjam would break once election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races that were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump’s second term in the White House. Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and New York City mayor, certain to shake up the political assessments. But earlier in the afternoon, Senate Democrats left an hours-long private meeting stone-faced, with no certain path forward. “We’re exploring all the options,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said afterward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to meet with reporters following a closed-door session with fellow Democrats, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Trump sets another shutdown record Trump’s approach to this shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term, when the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for funds to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders, but unable to secure the funds, he relented in 2019. This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations. In the meantime, food aid, child care funds and countless other government services are being seriously interrupted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or expected to come to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted there could be chaos in the skies next week if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck. Labor unions put pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said this has been not only the longest shutdown but also “the most severe shutdown on record.” The Republican leader has urged the Democrats to accept his overtures to vote on the health care issue and keep negotiating a solution once the government reopens, arguing that no one wins politically from the standoff. “Shutdowns are stupid,” Thune said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, talks with reporters following a closed-door strategy session, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senators search for potential deal Central to any endgame will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate, but also the House, and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington. First of all, senators from both parties, particularly the powerful members of the Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., along with several Democrats, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware, are among those working behind the scenes. “The pace of talks have increased,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who has been involved in conversations. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills where there is already widespread bipartisan agreement to fund various aspects of government, like agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases. “I certainly think that three-bill package is primed to do a lot of good things for the American people,” said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has also been in talks. Amanda Salter loads a pallet with food for her women’s shelter at Second Harvest Food Bank, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Health care costs skyrocket for millions More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being sent, millions of Americans are experiencing sticker shock on skyrocketing prices. The loss of enhanced federal subsidies, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and come in the form of tax credits, are expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance. Republicans are reluctant to fund the health care program, also known as Obamacare, without reforms, but negotiating a compromise with Democrats is expected to take time, if a deal can be reached at all. Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their preferred health care proposal, on a date certain, as part of any deal to reopen government. But that’s not enough for some senators, who see the health care deadlock as part of their broader concerns with Trump’s direction for the country. The White House says its position remains unchanged and that Democrats must vote to fund the government before talks over health care can begin. White House officials are in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats, according to a senior White House official. The official was granted anonymity to discuss administration strategy. Related Articles Trump administration and private investors sign off on $1.4 billion deal with rare earth startups FBI fires additional agents who participated in investigating Trump, AP sources say Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues The Latest: Democrats notch wins for governors, mayor over Trump’s picks Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84 Trump’s demands to end the filibuster fall flat The president has been pushing the senators to nuke the filibuster — the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation — as a way to reopen the government. The GOP senators have panned Trump’s demands to end the filibuster, in a rare public break with the president. Thune and others argue the Senate rule, while infuriating at times, ensures the minority party can be a check on the administration, which is important when power shifts in Washington. But in the current Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, 53-47, Democrats have been able to block the House-passed bill that would fund the government, having voted more than a dozen times against. Trump has said that doing away with the filibuster would be one way the Republicans could bypass the Democrats and end the shutdown on their own. Republican senators are trying to avoid that outcome. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Seung Min Kim and Matt Brown contributed to this report.
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide
By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks. President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger. Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, is set to meet early Wednesday for breakfast with GOP senators. But no talks have been scheduled with the Democrats. “Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: health care premiums,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in a late evening speech. “Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” she said. With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations are high that the logjam would break once election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races that were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump’s second term in the White House. Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and New York City mayor, certain to shake up the political assessments. But earlier in the afternoon, Senate Democrats left an hours-long private meeting stone-faced, with no certain path forward. “We’re exploring all the options,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said afterward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to meet with reporters following a closed-door session with fellow Democrats, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Trump sets another shutdown record Trump’s approach to this shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term, when the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for funds to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders, but unable to secure the funds, he relented in 2019. This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations. In the meantime, food aid, child care funds and countless other government services are being seriously interrupted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or expected to come to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted there could be chaos in the skies next week if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck. Labor unions put pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said this has been not only the longest shutdown but also “the most severe shutdown on record.” The Republican leader has urged the Democrats to accept his overtures to vote on the health care issue and keep negotiating a solution once the government reopens, arguing that no one wins politically from the standoff. “Shutdowns are stupid,” Thune said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, talks with reporters following a closed-door strategy session, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senators search for potential deal Central to any endgame will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate, but also the House, and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington. First of all, senators from both parties, particularly the powerful members of the Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., along with several Democrats, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware, are among those working behind the scenes. “The pace of talks have increased,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who has been involved in conversations. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills where there is already widespread bipartisan agreement to fund various aspects of government, like agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases. “I certainly think that three-bill package is primed to do a lot of good things for the American people,” said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has also been in talks. Amanda Salter loads a pallet with food for her women’s shelter at Second Harvest Food Bank, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Health care costs skyrocket for millions More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being sent, millions of Americans are experiencing sticker shock on skyrocketing prices. The loss of enhanced federal subsidies, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and come in the form of tax credits, are expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance. Republicans are reluctant to fund the health care program, also known as Obamacare, without reforms, but negotiating a compromise with Democrats is expected to take time, if a deal can be reached at all. Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their preferred health care proposal, on a date certain, as part of any deal to reopen government. But that’s not enough for some senators, who see the health care deadlock as part of their broader concerns with Trump’s direction for the country. The White House says its position remains unchanged and that Democrats must vote to fund the government before talks over health care can begin. White House officials are in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats, according to a senior White House official. The official was granted anonymity to discuss administration strategy. Related Articles Trump administration and private investors sign off on $1.4 billion deal with rare earth startups FBI fires additional agents who participated in investigating Trump, AP sources say Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues The Latest: Democrats notch wins for governors, mayor over Trump’s picks Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84 Trump’s demands to end the filibuster fall flat The president has been pushing the senators to nuke the filibuster — the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation — as a way to reopen the government. The GOP senators have panned Trump’s demands to end the filibuster, in a rare public break with the president. Thune and others argue the Senate rule, while infuriating at times, ensures the minority party can be a check on the administration, which is important when power shifts in Washington. But in the current Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, 53-47, Democrats have been able to block the House-passed bill that would fund the government, having voted more than a dozen times against. Trump has said that doing away with the filibuster would be one way the Republicans could bypass the Democrats and end the shutdown on their own. Republican senators are trying to avoid that outcome. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Seung Min Kim and Matt Brown contributed to this report.
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide
By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks. President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger. Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, is set to meet early Wednesday for breakfast with GOP senators. But no talks have been scheduled with the Democrats. “Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: health care premiums,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in a late evening speech. “Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” she said. With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations are high that the logjam would break once election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races that were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump’s second term in the White House. Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and New York City mayor, certain to shake up the political assessments. But earlier in the afternoon, Senate Democrats left an hours-long private meeting stone-faced, with no certain path forward. “We’re exploring all the options,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said afterward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to meet with reporters following a closed-door session with fellow Democrats, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Trump sets another shutdown record Trump’s approach to this shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term, when the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for funds to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders, but unable to secure the funds, he relented in 2019. This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations. In the meantime, food aid, child care funds and countless other government services are being seriously interrupted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or expected to come to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted there could be chaos in the skies next week if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck. Labor unions put pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said this has been not only the longest shutdown but also “the most severe shutdown on record.” The Republican leader has urged the Democrats to accept his overtures to vote on the health care issue and keep negotiating a solution once the government reopens, arguing that no one wins politically from the standoff. “Shutdowns are stupid,” Thune said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, talks with reporters following a closed-door strategy session, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senators search for potential deal Central to any endgame will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate, but also the House, and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington. First of all, senators from both parties, particularly the powerful members of the Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., along with several Democrats, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware, are among those working behind the scenes. “The pace of talks have increased,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who has been involved in conversations. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills where there is already widespread bipartisan agreement to fund various aspects of government, like agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases. “I certainly think that three-bill package is primed to do a lot of good things for the American people,” said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has also been in talks. Amanda Salter loads a pallet with food for her women’s shelter at Second Harvest Food Bank, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Health care costs skyrocket for millions More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being sent, millions of Americans are experiencing sticker shock on skyrocketing prices. The loss of enhanced federal subsidies, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and come in the form of tax credits, are expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance. Republicans are reluctant to fund the health care program, also known as Obamacare, without reforms, but negotiating a compromise with Democrats is expected to take time, if a deal can be reached at all. Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their preferred health care proposal, on a date certain, as part of any deal to reopen government. But that’s not enough for some senators, who see the health care deadlock as part of their broader concerns with Trump’s direction for the country. The White House says its position remains unchanged and that Democrats must vote to fund the government before talks over health care can begin. White House officials are in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats, according to a senior White House official. The official was granted anonymity to discuss administration strategy. Related Articles Trump administration and private investors sign off on $1.4 billion deal with rare earth startups FBI fires additional agents who participated in investigating Trump, AP sources say Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues The Latest: Democrats notch wins for governors, mayor over Trump’s picks Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84 Trump’s demands to end the filibuster fall flat The president has been pushing the senators to nuke the filibuster — the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation — as a way to reopen the government. The GOP senators have panned Trump’s demands to end the filibuster, in a rare public break with the president. Thune and others argue the Senate rule, while infuriating at times, ensures the minority party can be a check on the administration, which is important when power shifts in Washington. But in the current Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, 53-47, Democrats have been able to block the House-passed bill that would fund the government, having voted more than a dozen times against. Trump has said that doing away with the filibuster would be one way the Republicans could bypass the Democrats and end the shutdown on their own. Republican senators are trying to avoid that outcome. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Seung Min Kim and Matt Brown contributed to this report.
Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide
By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks. President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted SNAP food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger. Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, is set to meet early Wednesday for breakfast with GOP senators. But no talks have been scheduled with the Democrats. “Why is this happening? We’re in a shutdown because our colleagues are unwilling to come to the table to talk about one simple thing: health care premiums,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in a late evening speech. “Stop this mess, come to the table, negotiate it,” she said. With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations are high that the logjam would break once election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races that were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump’s second term in the White House. Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and New York City mayor, certain to shake up the political assessments. But earlier in the afternoon, Senate Democrats left an hours-long private meeting stone-faced, with no certain path forward. “We’re exploring all the options,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said afterward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to meet with reporters following a closed-door session with fellow Democrats, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Trump sets another shutdown record Trump’s approach to this shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term, when the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for funds to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders, but unable to secure the funds, he relented in 2019. This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations. In the meantime, food aid, child care funds and countless other government services are being seriously interrupted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or expected to come to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted there could be chaos in the skies next week if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck. Labor unions put pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said this has been not only the longest shutdown but also “the most severe shutdown on record.” The Republican leader has urged the Democrats to accept his overtures to vote on the health care issue and keep negotiating a solution once the government reopens, arguing that no one wins politically from the standoff. “Shutdowns are stupid,” Thune said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., joined at left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the GOP whip, talks with reporters following a closed-door strategy session, on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senators search for potential deal Central to any endgame will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate, but also the House, and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington. First of all, senators from both parties, particularly the powerful members of the Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., along with several Democrats, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Chris Coons of Delaware, are among those working behind the scenes. “The pace of talks have increased,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who has been involved in conversations. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills where there is already widespread bipartisan agreement to fund various aspects of government, like agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases. “I certainly think that three-bill package is primed to do a lot of good things for the American people,” said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has also been in talks. Amanda Salter loads a pallet with food for her women’s shelter at Second Harvest Food Bank, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Health care costs skyrocket for millions More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end. With insurance premium notices being sent, millions of Americans are experiencing sticker shock on skyrocketing prices. The loss of enhanced federal subsidies, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and come in the form of tax credits, are expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance. Republicans are reluctant to fund the health care program, also known as Obamacare, without reforms, but negotiating a compromise with Democrats is expected to take time, if a deal can be reached at all. Thune has promised Democrats at least a vote on their preferred health care proposal, on a date certain, as part of any deal to reopen government. But that’s not enough for some senators, who see the health care deadlock as part of their broader concerns with Trump’s direction for the country. The White House says its position remains unchanged and that Democrats must vote to fund the government before talks over health care can begin. White House officials are in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats, according to a senior White House official. The official was granted anonymity to discuss administration strategy. Related Articles Trump administration and private investors sign off on $1.4 billion deal with rare earth startups FBI fires additional agents who participated in investigating Trump, AP sources say Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues The Latest: Democrats notch wins for governors, mayor over Trump’s picks Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84 Trump’s demands to end the filibuster fall flat The president has been pushing the senators to nuke the filibuster — the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation — as a way to reopen the government. The GOP senators have panned Trump’s demands to end the filibuster, in a rare public break with the president. Thune and others argue the Senate rule, while infuriating at times, ensures the minority party can be a check on the administration, which is important when power shifts in Washington. But in the current Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, 53-47, Democrats have been able to block the House-passed bill that would fund the government, having voted more than a dozen times against. Trump has said that doing away with the filibuster would be one way the Republicans could bypass the Democrats and end the shutdown on their own. Republican senators are trying to avoid that outcome. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Seung Min Kim and Matt Brown contributed to this report.
Frustrated lawmakers say lack of trust is making it harder to end the government shutdown
By STEPHEN GROVES, MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A president looking to seize power beyond the executive branch. A Congress controlled by Republican lawmakers unwilling to directly defy him. And a minority party looking for any way to fight back. Related Articles Illinois urges judge to stop National Guard deployment after Trump administration ‘plowed ahead’ Pressure points ahead could bring a quicker end to the shutdown Government shutdown leaves Colorado’s community health centers in financial limbo Staffing shortages cause more US flight delays as government shutdown reaches 8th day Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose Guard deployment The dynamic left Washington in a stalemate Thursday — the ninth day of the government shutdown — and lawmakers openly venting their frustration as they tried to gain traction without the trust that is typically the foundation of any bipartisan deal. “To have good-faith conversations, you have to have trust. There’s a real challenge of trust,” said Rep. Brad Schneider, chair of the New Democratic Coalition, a pragmatic group of House Democrats. Groups of lawmakers — huddled over dinners, on phone calls, and in private meetings — have tried to brainstorm ways out of the standoff that has shuttered government offices, kept hundreds of thousands of federal employees at home and threatened to leave them without a scheduled payday. But lawmakers have found themselves running up against the reality that the relationship between the two parties is badly broken. “We’re in an environment where we need more than a handshake,” said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has engaged in talks with Republicans. The frustration was evident this week as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, on separate occasions, engaged in tense exchanges in the Capitol hallways with members of the opposing party. President Donald Trump and Republicans have so far held to the stance that they will only negotiate on Democratic demands around health care benefits after they vote to reopen the government. They also say Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is beholden to the left wing of his party and only staging the shutdown fight to stave off a primary challenge. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.,, right, and Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., participate in a news conference on the 8th day of government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, addresses the media asHouse Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., listen during a press conference on the 8th day of the government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., passes a sign on a stage that the House Democratic leaders held a news conference on the 8th day of government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) From left, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Chair of the House Republican Conference, Lisa McClain, R-Mich., House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., during a press conference on the 8th day of the government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) Show Caption 1 of 4 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.,, right, and Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., participate in a news conference on the 8th day of government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) Expand Republicans jump on Schumer’s comments Schumer, a New York Democrat, told Punchbowl News in an interview that Democrats were winning the shutdown fight, saying, “Every day gets better for us.” Republicans quickly seized on those comments, arguing it showed that the New York senator is approaching the shutdown with purely political motives. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stood on the Senate floor flanked by a poster printed with Schumer’s words. “This isn’t a political game. Democrats might feel that way, but I don’t know anybody else that does,” said Thune, a South Dakota Republican. “The longer this goes on, the more the American people realize that Democrats own this shutdown.” Schumer, in his own floor speech, responded that it was Trump and Republicans who are “playing with people’s lives.” “Every day that Republicans refuse to negotiate to end this shutdown, the worse it gets for Americans and the clearer it becomes who is fighting for them,” said Schumer. When a handshake deal is not enough Democrats have insisted they can’t take Trump at his word and therefore need more than a verbal commitment for any deal. Conflicts over spending power had already been raging before the shutdown as the White House pushed to assert maximum power over congressionally approved budgets. The White House budget office had canceled scores of government contracts, including cutting out the legislative branch entirely with a $4.9 billion cut to foreign aid in August through a legally dubious process known as a “pocket rescission.” That enraged Democrats — and disturbed some Republicans who criticized it as executive overreach. “I hate rescissions, to be honest with you, unless they’re congressionally approved,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican. Matt Glassman, a fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, said the president’s use of rescissions was “blowing up the underlying dynamic of the bargaining” because it inserts intense partisanship into a budget appropriations process that otherwise requires compromise, particularly in the Senate. Then, as the government entered a shutdown, Trump’s budget director Russ Vought laid out arguments that the president would have even more power to lay off workers and even cancel pay due to furloughed federal workers once the funding lapse is solved. Vought has also announced that the administration was withholding billions of dollars for infrastructure projects in states with Democratic senators who have voted for the shutdown. “We’re only going to cut Democrat programs,” Trump said in a Cabinet meeting Thursday. He added: “We’re going to give them a little taste of their own medicine.” Yet on Capitol Hill, there has been an acknowledgment that the hardball tactics are making it harder to negotiate. “I think with senators, carrots work better than sticks,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican. One Democratic idea may win GOP support Before they vote to reopen the government, Democrats’ main demand is that Congress take up an extension of tax credits for health plans offered on Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Trump has sounded open to a deal, saying that he wants “great health care” for Americans. What’s received less attention is that Democrats also want new safeguards in the law limiting the White House’s ability to claw back, or rescind, funding already approved by Congress. While final appropriations bills are still being worked out, Republicans have been open to the idea. “When you end the shutdown and get back to regular order within the appropriations bills, there’s very clear language about how we feel about rescissions,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I think you’ll find hard, solid support from Republicans to see that what we agree to will be executed on.” In the meantime, the main sticking point for lawmakers this week has been finding any agreement on extending the health care subsidies. Failed votes and the consequences of an extended shutdown The Senate failed, in a 54-45 vote, to advance a stopgap funding bill for the seventh time Thursday, and there has been no sign of significant progress to ending the impasse. Lawmakers are now looking ahead to the dates when federal employees will miss a payday, nervous about both the financial implications for federal employees and military members and the political blowback. Active-duty military troops would miss a paycheck on Oct. 15. As House Speaker Mike Johnson fielded questions on C-SPAN Thursday morning, one caller pleaded with him to pass legislation that would allow the military to get paid during the government shutdown. The woman, identified as Samantha, said her husband serves in the military and that they “live paycheck to paycheck.” She pleaded with Johnson to call the House back to Washington, saying, “You could stop this.” Johnson said he was sorry to hear about her situation, blamed Democrats for refusing to pass the stop-gap spending bill and added, “I am angry because of situations just like yours.” Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.