Shutdown Hits Record as Senators Mull Off-Ramp: BGOV Tax

Shutdown Becomes Longest in History

The federal government shutdown became the longest spending lapse in US history overnight, with conversations among senators about reopening the government starting to heat up.

“There are people who realize this has gone on long enough and that there’s been enough pain inflicted on the American people, and it’s time to end it,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Tuesday.

Democrats for the 14th time on Tuesday blocked an effort for the Senate to pass the House-passed stopgap spending bill. But lawmakers have floated the possibility that they will be able to end ...