As Federal Workers Miss Their Paychecks, Democrats Stage “No Kings” Protests Instead Of Voting To Reopen The Government

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 5:15 P.M. ET 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- As the partial federal government shutdown entered its eighteenth day, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other prominent Democrats continued participating in “No Kings” rallies nationwide instead of negotiating a reopening deal, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans who say Democrats are prioritizing political theater over governing.

     The stalemate began after Democrats refused to advance a clean continuing resolution, the same legislative measure they’ve supported and helped pass thirteen previous times to keep the government funded. GOP lawmakers have stressed that the current resolution contains no new policy riders, calling it a straightforward means to keep federal employees working and essential services running.

     Despite that, Democratic leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I–VT), Senator Cory Booker (D–NJ), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D–MA), have spent much of the past week calling on crowds to attend anti-Trump “No Kings” demonstrations across the country. Their speeches, centered on “resisting authoritarianism,” have been criticized by Republicans as a diversion from their constitutional duty to fund the government.

     Republicans maintain that President Trump and House Republicans have already done their part by supporting the same budget stopgap Democrats previously endorsed. At the same time, Democrats now appear unwilling to pass it purely out of opposition to Trump. “They have no legislative agenda, just endless investigations and slogans,” said one senior GOP staffer. “The American people deserve governance, not grandstanding.”

     Meanwhile, federal workers continue to face furloughs, national parks remain closed, and the economic cost of the shutdown grows by the day. Analysts warn that the standoff could begin affecting fourth-quarter growth if a resolution isn’t reached soon.

     Critics say that by refusing to consider a bill identical to measures they’ve long supported, Democrats have undercut their own claims of fiscal responsibility and compromise. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, though there is little sign of movement toward reopening the government.

Editor’s Note:

This report reflects verified developments as of October 18, 2025. The term “Schumer Shutdown” reflects the characterization widely used by Republican lawmakers to describe the current impasse. Reporting and editorial oversight by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, Englebrook Independent News.