Senate Fails Funding Votes Extending U.S. Government Shutdown Amid Layoff Risks

The U.S. government shutdown has extended beyond a week after the Senate failed for the fifth time to pass short-term funding bills from both Democrats and Republicans, leaving federal agencies shuttered and hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay. The Senate votes fell short of the 60-vote threshold, with Democrats blocking GOP bills that would fund the government at Biden-era spending levels, and Republicans opposing Democratic proposals that include extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies. President Trump has blamed Democrats for the shutdown and promised pay raises to military personnel working without pay, while Democrats have criticized Republicans for shutting down the government rather than supporting healthcare provisions. Some lawmakers have pledged to reject or donate their paychecks during the shutdown, though federal law mandates eventual payment. The White House has warned that the shutdown may prompt mass layoffs and that programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could run out of funds soon. Despite calls for negotiation, Senate leadership remains at an impasse, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune reluctant to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, prolonging the stalemate.