Why has the shutdown gone 31 days? Look at Mark Warner. The Virginia Democrat used to be a reliable participant in bipartisan Senate talks. This time, he doesn't see the point.

New w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social: Mark Warner is a card-carrying member of the Senate's bipartisan gang roster. But 31 days into the shutdown, he's staying out of the talks

A dive into Warner's thinking + what it says about the Senate in Trump one vs. Trump two: www.politico.com/news/2025/10...

IRS files tax lien against Jim Justice The former governor, who joined the Senate in 2025, has repeatedly brushed off questions about his finances.

New w/ @ryrivard.bsky.social: The IRS recently filed a notice of a federal tax lien against Sen. Jim Justice and his wife: www.politico.com/news/2025/10...

The IRS said it could not discuss specific tax cases. Spokespeople for Justice didn't respond to requests for comment.

News: Senate Republicans are looking at waiting until Tuesday to do the second vote on House-passed CR, per two people

No final decision -- but would exert maximum pressure and also give a little more time (vs. Monday night) for a possible deal to shake loose

Democrats dig in on shutdown after White House layoff threat Multiple lawmakers weighed in Thursday to say they would not be cowed. GOP leaders were quieter.

New w/ @nicholaswu12.bsky.social : If the White House thought its threat to fire federal workers during a government shutdown would spark a Democratic retreat, so far, it’s not happening.

www.politico.com/news/2025/09...

They didn't talk to set up two CR votes. They spoke recently on noms but Thune quipped that Schumer was eager to get away from him.

While some of their staff are in constant contact about Senate business, some of their members want them to start talking on CR

The top Senate leaders aren’t talking. That’s a bad sign for a shutdown. The relationship between Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who have known each other for decades, has grown tense.

NEW: With days to go until a shutdown, Thune and Schumer aren't talking

They've theoretically both opened the door but the one-time gym buddies aren't close

Biggest test could come post-Sept 30 (getting out of a shutdown or locking in a year-end deal)

www.politico.com/news/2025/09...