U.S. Government Shutdown Continues as Senate Fails to Pass Funding Bills

The U.S. government shutdown entered its sixth day after the Senate once again failed to approve competing funding proposals on Monday, leaving thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay. Both Democratic and Republican measures to reopen the government fell short of the 60-vote threshold required for passage, marking the fifth failed attempt since the shutdown began last week.

The Democratic-led bill, which sought to extend funding with provisions for healthcare protections, was rejected in a 45-50 vote, while the Republican-backed proposal failed 52-42. The impasse has deepened political divisions in Washington, as both sides continue to blame each other for the prolonged crisis.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump warned that continued gridlock could lead to mass layoffs of federal employees. Speaking at the White House, he said he was “open to working with Democrats” on healthcare measures but urged them to first allow the government to reopen. “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,” Trump posted later on his Truth Social platform.

Democrats insist any spending deal must preserve health insurance subsidies for low-income Americans and reverse cuts to the Medicaid program introduced by the Trump administration. They have accused Republicans of refusing to address key healthcare issues within the budget framework. Republicans, in turn, claim Democrats are holding the government hostage to secure healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, a charge Democrats strongly deny.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Monday that federal agencies have begun preparing for permanent staff reductions if the shutdown persists. “We don’t want to see people laid off. But unfortunately, if this continues, layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed Trump’s comments about ongoing negotiations as “not true,” posting his response to social media. Both Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, and Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican, traded accusations on Sunday television interviews, each blaming the other’s party for the stand-off.

As the shutdown drags on with no clear path to resolution, pressure continues to mount on both parties to break the deadlock and restore government operations.