Senate Considers “Nuclear Option” Amid Prolonged U.S. Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Continues and Raises Nuclear Option Debate

Senate Considers Nuclear Option

Fetterman Supports Ending the Filibuster

The US federal government remains shut down since October 1, following the failure of Republicans and Democrats to reach a partial funding agreement.

The lack of formal negotiations between Congress and the White House has raised concerns that the shutdown could surpass the 35-day record set during Donald Trump’s first term (2018–2019).

This ongoing legislative gridlock prevents the approval of a continuing resolution that would allow federal operations to resume.

The Government Shutdown Raises the Nuclear Option Debate

Can Republicans use the ‘nuclear option’ to end the shutdown?

By @carl_chirinos https://t.co/FKGd2IhQ4Y pic.twitter.com/DfrAcj6Ke4

— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) October 22, 2025

Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees remain unpaid, and several social programs are at risk due to the lack of funding.

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In the Senate, the stalemate continues, according to Univision.

Neither party holds the 60 votes required to pass a spending package, prompting some lawmakers to consider extraordinary measures to prevent further economic and institutional damage.

The “Nuclear Option” Enters the Discussion

EXCLUSIVE: MTG Calls on the GOP Senate to Deploy the «Nuclear Option» to End the Democrat Government Shutdown pic.twitter.com/JNXYhOWjLt

— INFOWARS (@infowars) October 3, 2025

One proposal gaining momentum is the use of the so-called “nuclear option,” which would allow the Senate to approve legislation by a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold.

Although controversial, this exceptional procedure could be deployed if Republicans manage to convince several Democratic senators to join their effort.

Among those open to the idea is Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who recently stated that the Senate should eliminate the filibuster to prevent future shutdowns.

“We should make it harder for the government to shut down — whether it’s under Republicans or Democrats. Keeping it open is a basic responsibility, and that’s why I support it,” Fetterman said Tuesday.

So far, Fetterman has joined two other Democrats who voted with Republicans to advance a continuing resolution.

But the three additional votes still fall short of the required 60 to end the funding blockade.

Pressure Mounts from the Conservative Wing

Fetterman’s remarks came after Representative Chip Roy of Texas, a leading voice in the conservative wing of the Republican Party, publicly called for using the nuclear option.

According to Roy, the prolonged shutdown highlights the need to reform Senate rules that hinder effective governance.

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed his stance, arguing that the government “cannot remain paralyzed indefinitely” while millions of citizens lose access to essential services.

As the shutdown’s impact deepens, pressure is mounting on both parties to reach a deal.

However, with no formal talks between the Capitol and the White House, the most likely scenario is that the U.S. government shutdown will drag on for several more weeks, possibly surpassing the previous record.