On Wednesday, Democrats continued their efforts to delay a vote on a short-term spending bill aimed at reopening the government, marking the twelfth time since the shutdown began on October 1 that the Senate has addressed this issue. The atmosphere was charged as Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon launched into a marathon speech that lasted nearly 24 hours.
During his address, which started at 6:23 p.m. on Tuesday and wrapped up at 5:00 p.m. the following day, Merkley warned, “Be aware and worried about the possibility of the use of an emergency in order to expand authoritarian power.” This caution underscores a consistent theme from Merkley: concern about unchecked executive power and a Congress that goes along with it. His comments reflect a broader Democratic narrative seeking to hold Republicans accountable for the shutdown, asserting that the party is undermining crucial programs, including healthcare.
Merkley did not shy away from laying blame at the feet of Republicans, claiming, “Republicans have shut down the government to continue the strategy of slashing Americans’ healthcare.” This assertion aligns with the ongoing standoff over federal funding for 2026, where a disagreement over policy priorities has resulted in no clear resolution. While House Republicans support a short-term funding bill to keep the government operational through November 21, Senate Democrats have repeatedly voted against it, reflecting continued gridlock on Capitol Hill.
This impasse was evident in Wednesday’s failed vote, which saw the Senate unable to advance the funding measure, concluding at 54-46. Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the chamber and thus need the backing of at least seven Democrats to overcome a filibuster. Senator Merkley’s lengthy remarks were part of a strategy to draw attention to the crisis, and they nearly broke the record set earlier this year by Senator Cory Booker, who spoke for 25 hours.
Booker expressed support for Merkley’s effort and took to social media to promote the need for resistance against Trump’s alleged tactics, stating, “Listening to Senator Jeff Merkley for over 22 hours, it is clear that we need to stand up for our democracy.” His endorsement highlights a unified Democratic front, at least in rhetoric, to confront what they describe as authoritarian moves from the current administration.
Merkley’s focus on authoritarianism permeated much of his discourse. He expressed fears about the Trump administration’s maneuverings that appear to stretch the constitutional limits of executive authority, especially concerning the deployment of the National Guard. “If you remove a clear standard as to whether there is a rebellion and just say a president can deploy the military on a whim…then you have flung the doors open to tyranny,” he declared, emphasizing his concerns about civil liberties.
In recent years, the deployment of the National Guard has indeed raised eyebrows. President Trump has called for military support in cities like Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, citing fears for law enforcement and government operations. Such actions have sparked intense debate about the balance of power between state and federal authority and the potential avenues for the misuse of power.
As the budget stalemate progresses, the implications of this ongoing struggle reach far beyond the Senate halls. The specter of a prolonged government shutdown looms large, and with it, the impact on citizens who rely on government services. Both parties face public scrutiny over their handling of the situation, but Democrats appear particularly keen on framing the debate as one about safeguarding democracy against overreach.
In the coming days, much will depend on whether both sides can find common ground to avert further delays. Until then, the struggle over funding and the future direction of government policy remains a key battleground. For now, the dialogue echoes Merkley’s warnings and underscores a political narrative determined to highlight concerns of authoritarianism and the functioning of democracy in America.
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