US government shutdown drags on as senate fails again to pass funding bills

The US government shutdown will continue after the Senate on Monday failed for the fifth time to approve spending measures that would reopen federal agencies.

Both Democratic and Republican proposals fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance. The Democratic-led bill to extend funding was defeated 45–50, while the Republican version failed 52–42.

The deadlock, now in its fifth day, has left thousands of federal employees either furloughed or working without pay.

Earlier in the day, former President Donald Trump warned of possible mass layoffs if Congress failed to act but later suggested he was open to striking a deal with Democrats. “We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things, especially on healthcare,” Trump said from the Oval Office.

Democrats, however, denied that any such talks were taking place. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that “THIS ISN’T TRUE.”

The stalemate centers on healthcare provisions. Democrats are refusing to support the Republican proposal, arguing it weakens access to medical care for low-income Americans. They want any funding package to preserve health insurance subsidies and restore cuts to the Medicaid program made under Trump’s administration.

Republicans, meanwhile, accuse Democrats of holding the government hostage over healthcare demands, saying the issue should be addressed separately once the government reopens.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that layoffs could soon begin if the shutdown continues. “We don’t want to see people laid off,” she said, “but unfortunately, if this shutdown continues, layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump blamed Democrats for the continued shutdown. “I am happy to work with the Democrats on their failed healthcare policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our government to re-open,” he wrote.

Top congressional leaders from both parties continued to trade blame over the weekend. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of “lying” about Democrats’ motives, while House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed Democrats were “not serious” about negotiations.

A new CBS News poll found that most Americans disapprove of how both parties are handling the crisis, though Trump and congressional Republicans are receiving slightly more of the blame.