On October 22, 2025, the Senate held its twelfth vote on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current government funding levels through November 21. The bill was rejected by a vote of 54-46, falling short of the 60 votes required to proceed, with three members of the Democratic caucus voting alongside Republicans in favor of the bill. Democrats maintain they will not support a CR unless Republican leadership agrees to negotiate a permanent extension of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025. Due to the projected increases in premiums for Marketplace plans, Democrats view the beginning of the ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment period on November 1 as a potential pressure point to drive Republican action on EPTCs.

On October 21, 2025, thirteen House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressing support for a short-term extension of EPTCs. Members clarified that while they do not view EPTCs as a long-term solution to health care affordability, the imminent premium increases that would result from a lapse in EPTCs justify a temporary extension. They also emphasized that any extension should occur only after the government shutdown has ended. All but one of the signatories are cosponsors of a bipartisan bill that would extend the EPTCs for one year.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are reportedly considering legislation to extend funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the duration of the government shutdown. SNAP benefits are scheduled to expire on November 1 in at least 25 states if the government shutdown continues, potentially affecting an estimated 40 million people who rely on the program. The Trump Administration has indicated it will not use emergency funds to avoid a lapse in SNAP benefits. 

Finally, on October 23, 2025, the Senate voted on a separate bill to guarantee pay for federal employees that were not furloughed and active-duty military personnel during the shutdown. The bill failed by a vote of 54-45, with three Democrats joining Republicans in support of the bill.