Shutdown Politics and Election Watch

Information provided to members by OGR.

Washington feels like Groundhog Day all over again. The federal government is now entering its fifth week of a shutdown with no resolution in sight. The Senate is back in session and voting, while the House has been out of town for seven straight weeks.

Despite the stalemate, quiet conversations among rank-and-file Senators are showing new signs of life. Some are hopeful that bipartisan cooperation could break the impasse over FY 2026 appropriations. Still, expectations for a breakthrough this week are driven more by timing than optimism.

Behind the headlines, real-world effects are beginning to mount. Missed paychecks and benefit delays are creating pressure on lawmakers to act. The administration’s decision to use emergency funds to cover this week’s SNAP benefits offers only temporary relief. Some Senate appropriators are working to move a package of bipartisan funding bills to reopen parts of the government, while others are floating a longer-term continuing resolution that could last into next year.

Beyond the shutdown drama, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on President Trump’s authority to declare a national emergency and impose tariffs on imported goods—an issue that could have long-term implications for trade, manufacturing, and economic policy.

This is only a snapshot of the week’s developments. IPA members receive the full OGR Big Picture briefing every week, featuring detailed analysis of congressional activity, policy trends, and their implications for the payments and fintech sectors.

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