Senate Democrats’ unity frays as centrists weigh shutdown off-ramp

Published November 4, 2025 6:20pm ET



Senate Democrats are increasingly at odds over how a monthlong government shutdown will end, with the ideological purity of progressive members clashing with centrists who want to reach a compromise.

The caucus spent well over two hours debating the menu of options before them as the lapse in funding stretches into its sixth week, using a Tuesday lunch to air out their disagreements and forge a path forward.

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