Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin expressed optimism that the federal government shutdown could come to an end by midweek, predicting that negotiations would resume after the elections on Tuesday, likely leading to a reopening of the government by Wednesday or Thursday. Mullin suggested that Democrats were waiting until after the elections—particularly key races like the New York City mayoral and gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia—before seeking a resolution. He argued that Democrats were hesitant to act before Election Day to avoid the perception of conceding, which could negatively affect voter turnout.

Mullin also criticized the Democratic leadership, including figures like Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, for using the shutdown as political leverage. He accused them of stalling the reopening to gain political advantage over President Trump and the Republicans. Mullin argued that Democrats were playing political games rather than addressing the real issues, and that the public was already aware of the political maneuvering. He predicted that the shutdown would likely end soon after the elections as Democrats sought an “exit ramp” from the standoff.

Meanwhile, labor leaders, including Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, called for an immediate end to the shutdown, highlighting its damaging effects on working families. O’Brien, joined by Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, urged Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government and alleviate the strain on workers. The ongoing shutdown has disrupted paychecks, delayed SNAP benefits, and stretched air traffic control staffing, causing widespread hardship. O’Brien stressed that lawmakers should prioritize the well-being of American families and workers over political maneuvering.