The federal government entered its fourteenth day of the Schumer Shutdown on Wednesday, as Senate Democrats once again voted against a Republican-backed continuing resolution to reopen government operations.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: Convicted Trooper Killer Executed in Missouri After Twenty-Year Legal Fight

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced earlier in the week that it is prepared for the long haul, confirming that reductions in force (RIFs) of federal employees will continue as long as the shutdown persists.

The agency stated it would sustain current measures until Senate Democrats agree to vote for the clean funding bill already passed by the Republican-controlled House.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Do you think President Trump should have won the Nobel Peace Prize?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for “holding the American people hostage” and blocking efforts to restore funding.

He said Democrats’ demands include billions of dollars in spending on what he described as “Leftist pet causes,” citing projects such as feminist initiatives in Africa, LGBTQ+ agenda items in the Balkans, and global climate programs.

MORE NEWS: Whataburger War: Food Order Mix-Up Sparks an All-Out Texas Brawl [WATCH]

Republicans argue that the largest obstacle remains Democrats’ push for an additional $1.5 trillion in new spending, including funding to provide illegal aliens with free healthcare.

GOP leaders note that the plan would expand federal health programs at taxpayer expense, adding that the proposal would raise costs for insured Americans nationwide.

Despite their refusal to advance the clean funding bill, Democratic leaders continue to claim Republicans are to blame for the shutdown.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted on X, “The American people know that Republicans shut down the government. Democrats want to open it up immediately. And decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.”

MORE NEWS: Los Angeles Declares State of Emergency Over ICE Deporting Illegal Aliens [WATCH]

Republican leaders have dismissed Jeffries’ statement as misleading, pointing to Democrats’ own healthcare policies as the root cause of rising costs.

They argue that federal mandates and expanded bureaucratic programs enacted under the Affordable Care Act continue to strain the system and inflate prices for consumers.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also addressed the ongoing impasse on X, emphasizing that Republicans are not attaching any partisan provisions to the funding bill.

“Republicans are not asking Democrats to support any new Republican policies. We’re not asking them to swallow any partisan policy riders. We’re simply asking them to turn the lights back on,” Thune wrote.

“We have put forward a clean, nonpartisan CR. That’s the bill Democrats are rejecting.”

MORE NEWS: Donald Trump Awards Charlie Kirk Freedom Medal, Erika Talks Presidential Run [WATCH]

The continuing resolution, known as H.R. 5317, passed the House with Republican support and backing from three Senate Democrats.

The measure would fund government operations temporarily while Congress works toward a broader budget agreement.

Republicans maintain that the bill is “clean,” containing no policy riders and no new partisan measures.

Senate Democrats, however, have declined to advance it, insisting instead on additional spending and policy provisions tied to foreign aid and domestic programs.

The standoff has forced federal agencies to scale back nonessential operations while maintaining essential services.

OMB officials said contingency plans will remain in effect until new appropriations are approved.

The shutdown has intensified political pressure in Washington, with both parties seeking to shape public perception of the stalemate.

MORE NEWS: President Trump Shuts Down ABC Reporter After Stephanopoulos Cuts Off JD Vance [WATCH]

The House and Senate are expected to reconvene later this week for further negotiations, though there is little indication that Democrats plan to accept the House-passed resolution.

As the shutdown extends into its third week, Republican lawmakers say the solution remains straightforward — Senate Democrats could vote to reopen the government immediately by passing the House-approved continuing resolution.

Until then, the Schumer Shutdown continues.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.