The deadlock in Washington tightened Thursday as the U.S. government shutdown entered its third week, with senators once again rejecting a Republican funding proposal despite mounting pressure from President Donald Trump.

Since October 1, federal agencies have remained starved of funds, leaving key public services paralysed while Democrats and Republicans trade blame across the aisle. Daily votes to reopen the government have repeatedly collapsed into partisan stalemates, dimming hopes of an early breakthrough.

Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune cast doubt on the usefulness of continuing weekend sessions, telling reporters he was unsure “if that does any good,” according to Semafor. The Senate is still expected to convene Friday for yet another vote — the eighth attempt to advance the House-passed spending bill that appears doomed to fail.

At a combative cabinet meeting, Trump lashed out at Democrats, accusing them of inflicting hardship on ordinary Americans. “The Democrat shutdown is causing pain and suffering for hardworking Americans — our military, our air traffic controllers, and families just trying to get by,” he said, while threatening to cut back programs favored by his rivals.

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The Republican proposal would reopen the government through late November, buying time for broader budget talks, but Democrats have refused to budge — insisting on extending key healthcare subsidies set to expire December 31. CNN reports they are now bracing for a shutdown that could stretch several more weeks.

Roughly 750,000 federal workers have already been furloughed, many uncertain about their next paycheck. Concerns are rising that U.S. military personnel could also miss their wages by next Wednesday if the impasse persists.

— Africa Today News, New York