U.S. Shutdown Enters Fourth Week: VP Vance Blasts Senate Democrats

 As the U.S. government shutdown enters its fourth week, Vice President J.D. Vance has intensified his criticism of Senate Democrats, accusing them of obstructing negotiations and holding vital services “hostage” for political leverage.

“They are trying to take a hostage, and we can’t reward that behavior,” Vance said. “That’s how a child behaves — not a responsible governing party.”

Key Developments
Congress has failed to pass a short-term funding measure. The Senate voted on a Republican-backed bill 13 times, but each attempt fell short of the votes needed to pass.

Vance said the administration is ensuring that U.S. military personnel continue to be paid, but warned that the government cannot function properly without bipartisan cooperation.

He cautioned that if the stalemate continues, federal worker furloughs, service disruptions, and public financial strain could intensify.

Democrats argue that Republicans are demanding a “clean bill” with no policy provisions, while Democrats insist that Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and Medicaid reforms must be part of any funding agreement.

Impact on Americans
Around 42 million Americans could lose access to SNAP food assistance if the shutdown persists.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed or working without pay, including air-traffic controllers, TSA agents, and postal workers, placing essential services under heavy strain.

This is one of the longest shutdowns in modern U.S. history, raising concerns about its economic, administrative, and social consequences.

Political Fallout and the Road Ahead
Republicans are pushing for a “clean” continuing resolution — reopen the government first, then discuss policy later — and are hoping to gain support from at least five Senate Democrats to pass the measure.

Democrats maintain that no bill will pass unless it includes healthcare and social safety net provisions.

Analysts predict that if the deadlock persists, lawmakers may eventually pivot to a long-term funding package extending into early 2026.