Federal Advocacy Update, Week of October 20, 2025
House and Senate Action
House
The House is not in session.
Senate
The Senate is expected to hold another procedural vote this week on the House-passed short-term funding bill, marking the 11th attempt to advance the measure since the government shutdown began. Separately, senators will consider legislation to provide pay for federal employees who continue to work during the shutdown, including active-duty military personnel and essential civilian staff. The measure is unlikely to reach the 60-vote threshold but has drawn bipartisan attention as frustration grows over missed paychecks and mounting operational disruptions.
Shutdown Enters Third Week as Negotiations Remain Stalled
Last week, the Senate rejected the House-passed short-term funding measure for the tenth time, extending the federal government shutdown into its third week. The current lapse in appropriations is now the third-longest in U.S. history and the longest full government shutdown ever. Despite multiple rounds of procedural votes, neither chamber has been able to reach an agreement on a path forward.
Later this week, the Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would authorize pay for federal employees required to work during the shutdown, including active-duty military personnel and other essential staff. The measure is unlikely to meet the 60-vote threshold but has drawn bipartisan interest in ensuring that federal workers are compensated as soon as operations resume.
It should be noted that the Trump administration was able to use existing funds to ensure that active-duty service members were paid on October 15, but it remains unclear whether there are enough unused resources to continue those payments if the shutdown persists.
The effects of the shutdown are beginning to ripple across the economy and the public sector. Federal employees are poised to miss their first full paycheck on October 24, with the administration still assessing options to prevent further disruption to critical operations. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported staffing-related flight delays at several major airports, raising concerns about potential impacts on air travel if the funding lapse continues.
Other agencies are facing similar challenges. Small business and agricultural lending have largely come to a halt, and many federal offices remain closed. To sustain key nutrition programs, the administration has redirected unspent tariff revenue to keep the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program operating and is exploring ways to maintain benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A federal judge this week also temporarily blocked a planned round of federal workforce reductions, finding that the proposed layoffs lacked adequate justification and may exceed executive authority.
Several upcoming deadlines could increase pressure on lawmakers to reach an agreement. Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health plans begins on November 1, and congressional staff pay periods at the end of October and early November could add to the urgency for action. If the shutdown continues into Thanksgiving week, further strain on federal services –particularly in transportation and public safety – could heighten the need for resolution.
Relevant Hearings and Markups
Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Tuesday, October 21 | 9:15 a.m. ET | The panel will meet to consider a number of bills within the panel's jurisdiction, including the Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462).
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Tuesday, October 21 | 10:00 a.m. ET | The Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development will meet to conduct a hearing entitled, "Innovation in U.S. Housing: Solutions and Policies for America's Future."
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation
Wednesday, October 21 | 10 a.m. ET | The full committee will meet to consider a slate of nominations and legislative proposals, including a bipartisan bill – the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 – that would reauthorize the nation's pipeline safety regulator. The panel will also markup legislation (S. 2245) that would reauthorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast Program, which helps coastal communities better prepare for storms, cope with varying water levels, and plan for future development. This markup was rescheduled from October 8.
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Thursday, October 23 | 10:00 a.m. ET | The full committee will meet to discuss the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its impact on patients.
Senate Special Committee on Aging
Wednesday, October 22 | 3:30 p.m. ET | The full committee will meet for a hearing entitled, "Modernizing Health Care: How Shoppable Services Improve Outcomes and Lower Costs."