Senate Majority Leader John Thune is introducing a full-year spending bill for the Pentagon, which adds a new twist to the ongoing shutdown negotiations. This move challenges Democrats to oppose the bill while they are focused on health care issues, highlighting the complexities of the budget discussions. The outcome could significantly impact the negotiations and the government's funding strategy.

The Senate's repeated failure to reopen the federal government marks a significant political stalemate, with the ninth attempt falling short. This ongoing impasse not only affects federal operations but also raises concerns about national security as the Senate prepares to vote on a crucial $852 billion defense appropriations bill. The situation highlights the deep divisions in Congress and the challenges of governance, making it a critical moment for both lawmakers and citizens.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has caught Democrats off guard by scheduling a vote on a significant defense spending bill during the ongoing government shutdown. This $852 billion appropriations bill previously received strong bipartisan support, but the political landscape has shifted, raising questions about whether Democrats will block it now. This situation highlights the complexities of governance during a shutdown and the potential implications for national security funding.