Trump tells Senate Republicans to use "nuclear option" to end shutdown

Zoom in: Ending the filibuster would allow the GOP to pass legislation — such as a government funding bill — with just 50 votes in the Senate. It currently takes 60 votes.

• The GOP has only been able to get three of the (at least) seven Democratic votes they need to reach the 60 vote threshold and pass a funding bill.
• Democrats have been withholding their votes for government funding in an attempt to get Republicans to negotiate on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
• "Because of the fact that the Democrats have gone stone cold 'crazy,' the choice is clear — initiate the 'nuclear option,' get rid of the filibuster and make America great again!" Trump said on social media.

Between the lines: Back in 2022, then-President Biden suggested that Democrats end the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation.

• Opposition from then-Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (W.Va.) derailed that effort.

Zoom out: Most Senate Republicans — including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) have been publicly and consistently opposed to ending the filibuster.

• Thune earlier in October said the filibuster was a "bulwark against a lot of really bad things happening."
• In the private meeting with lawmakers this week, Vance admitted that Senate Republicans likely don't have the votes to end the filibuster.

The bottom line: This week brought the first glimpses of progress in talks to end the government shutdown.

• Going into tonight, Senate Democrats privately predicted next week would bring significant progress toward a deal.