Rare Saturday Senate Session: Pushing for a Shutdown Breakthrough on Day 39 - November 8, 2025

In a historic and urgent move, the U.S. Senate convened for a rare Saturday session on November 9, 2025, marking the 39th day of the longest federal government shutdown in American history. Lawmakers from both parties gathered at the Capitol to negotiate a bipartisan funding package aimed at reopening non-essential government operations, which have been paralyzed since October 1 amid deep divisions over budget priorities, including Affordable Care Act subsidies and disaster aid. Despite initial stalemates and no immediate votes, centrist Democrats and Republicans engaged in behind-the-scenes talks, building momentum for a compromise that could extend funding through January and avert further economic fallout affecting federal workers, air travel, and social programs. The session, one of only four weekend meetings this year, underscored the escalating pressure from President Trump and the public, setting the stage for a potential Sunday vote to end the impasse.