Senate Majority Leader John Thune is considering using standalone appropriations bills to reopen the government, rather than waiting for bipartisan talks to succeed. This approach would allow him to bring individual bills to the floor and gain unanimous consent, but it could also force Democrats to make difficult decisions on funding. Thune has expressed openness to a single Defense bill, while Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins supports this strategy, citing the need for swift action. However, Senate Democrats, including Ranking Member Patty Murray, are skeptical, preferring a bipartisan approach that includes negotiations with the House and President’s approval. The move could have significant implications for military paychecks, which would likely be missed if Congress fails to act by October 15.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-senate-republicans-military-pay