Published November 13, 2026 · By
A government shutdown on December 11 became a more open possibility Thursday, when four senators who caucus with Democrats said they will not back a short-term spending bill unless it limits money for the U.S. war with Iran. The statement, from Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, sets up the first major government shutdown test since the midterm elections, while Republicans still control the Senate.
Here is what the senators said, how leaders in both parties have responded so far, how the Senate math works and what a lapse in funding could mean for your household.
Government Shutdown Deadline: What the Four Senators Said
In a joint statement released November 12, the four senators said any short-term funding package must include language that restricts the Trump administration from using appropriated funds to continue the war against Iran. They said they would not accept a deal that keeps sending billions of additional dollars to the conflict.
The senators framed their position as an effort to keep agencies open rather than close them. "When we vote on appropriations, we intend to fund the government and stop funds for this war," they wrote. They also pointed to higher prices for gasoline, groceries and fertilizer, and to more than 20 U.S. service members killed and hundreds wounded, as reasons to act now.
Sanders is an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Van Hollen, who has said he will not support "a single dime" for the war according to Responsible Statecraft, has also been mentioned as a possible challenger to Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
Why December 11 Matters for a Government Shutdown
In September, Congress passed a continuing resolution that kept most federal funding at current levels until December 11, according to The Center Square. Lawmakers have not yet enacted any of the 12 regular appropriations bills for fiscal year 2027, so another stopgap or a broader deal must be signed into law by that date to avoid a government shutdown.
States Newsroom reported that leaders are still debating how long the next stopgap should last and whether it should carry any restrictions related to Iran. A bill must pass both chambers and be signed by President Donald Trump unless supporters have veto-proof margins.
How the Senate Math Shapes a Government Shutdown
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats for the rest of this year. The new Congress, in which Democrats will hold majorities in both chambers after the November elections, is sworn in on January 3. That means the December fight takes place under the current, Republican-led Senate.
Most spending bills need 60 votes to advance past a filibuster. With 53 seats, Republicans need at least seven Democratic votes to pass a stopgap, according to The Epoch Times. If a large enough bloc of Democrats insists on Iran restrictions that Republicans reject, the result could be a government shutdown. If enough Democrats vote for a bill without restrictions, it could pass.
What Democratic Leaders Have Said
Democrats agree on opposing new war money but have not settled on whether to risk a government shutdown as leverage. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said in a November 10 floor speech that the president would not get the nearly $70 billion he has sought for the Iran war, according to The Epoch Times. Responsible Statecraft reported that she supports a short-term measure into the new year but did not commit to adding Iran restrictions.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia has said spending bills should bar war funding unless Congress authorizes the conflict. Schumer said Congress is going to end the war and called the power of the purse a deterrent, but he did not endorse Van Hollen's approach or say whether Democrats would withhold votes. In the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he would not get ahead of bipartisan talks, while Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said Democrats will not fund the war but that a short-term bill is needed.
The leadership questions inside the caucus are part of the backdrop. For more, see our earlier report on the debate over Chuck Schumer's leadership.
What Republicans and the White House Have Said
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, reelected as Republican leader on November 10, listed government funding among the Senate's priorities before January, along with judicial and executive nominees, and said Republicans would work with Democrats where possible, The Epoch Times reported. In July, Thune said Democrats had signaled they did not want to force another government shutdown, and he blamed Democrats for earlier funding lapses.
No public response from the White House to Thursday's statement appeared in the coverage reviewed for this article. Responsible Statecraft cited a Senate source who said a funding lapse might not stop the war, noting that the administration found a way to keep paying military members during a previous shutdown.
How Much the Iran War Costs
Estimates vary by source and date. The Daily Caller cited a Pentagon estimate of $47.1 billion in war costs as of mid-October. Murray has referred to a request of nearly $70 billion for the conflict, and States Newsroom said the administration asked for tens of billions of dollars this summer. In July, House Republicans adopted a $95 billion budget plan that included $60 billion for the Pentagon, according to the AP. Earlier this month, the House also voted to refer articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee.
Government Shutdown: What It Means for You
No government shutdown is certain, and lawmakers have about four weeks to reach a deal. Still, it helps to know how past lapses have worked. The points below are based on how earlier shutdowns played out and on statements from officials; they are background, not a forecast.
If You Are a Federal Worker or Contractor
During a past government shutdown, many federal employees were furloughed or worked without pay until Congress acted. Thune, speaking in July, described missed paychecks, longer food bank lines and families leaning on credit cards. If you work for the government or a federal contractor, consider building a cash cushion now and reviewing your bank's hardship options.
If You Receive Benefits
Social Security and Medicare are funded outside the annual appropriations process, so payments have continued during previous lapses, though some customer services slowed. Programs that rely on yearly funding, such as nutrition aid, can face more uncertainty the longer a government shutdown lasts. Watch for notices from the agency that pays your benefits.
If You Are Traveling or Waiting on a Federal Service
For travelers, Thune has pointed to longer TSA lines, canceled flights and reduced air traffic control during earlier lapses. If a government shutdown begins and you have holiday travel planned in mid-December, build in extra time. Applications for passports, permits or federal loans could also slow, so it may make sense to file early.
Prices and the Wider Economy
Our own analysis: the senators tied their stance to higher costs for fuel and food, and energy prices remain a household concern even after recent declines. Our latest look at gas prices has more detail. A long government shutdown could also delay federal economic data that markets and the Federal Reserve rely on.
What Happens Next
Talks to avoid a government shutdown between appropriators in both parties are expected to continue in the coming weeks. The key questions are how long the next stopgap would last, whether it includes any Iran language, and whether at least seven Democrats will vote for a bill that Republicans support. A short measure into early 2027 would hand the full-year budget to the new Democratic-led Congress.
This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
Sources: Office of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (senate.gov); States Newsroom; The Center Square; The Epoch Times; Responsible Statecraft; The Daily Caller; AP via PBS NewsHour; Office of Sen. John Thune (senate.gov).
