Even with an Oct. 1 government funding deadline looming, the slow-rolling dispute is in stasis this week. Lawmakers are away from Washington and, with more than a week left until funding runs out, face little immediate pressure to negotiate or give ground.
Instead, both sides are signaling they’re ready to go the distance, with a shutdown looking likely next week and party leaders reaching more for leverage than for solutions.
The next step with real consequences is likely to be another Senate vote early next week, right up against the deadline. That moment could create new pressure for both parties, ...