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The US government remained shut down for a third straight day on Friday, with little sign that legislators had advanced toward forging a compromise to resume operations.

Upper Chamber Prepares for Key Ballots

The Senate is set to meet in the late day to consider competing Republican and Democratic proposals for continuing financial support over the next few weeks. Yet, neither proposal seems to have enough backing to surpass the Senate's 60-vote threshold for passage.

This marks the first shutdown since the pre-pandemic era, and if the votes are unsuccessful, it will ensure that federal departments remain closed and employees stay furloughed into the following week.

Primary Causes of the Closure

Appropriations expired after late Tuesday night when Democratic senators refused to supply the required votes to pass a Republican funding bill, rather insisting on concessions on medical care and other budgetary focuses.

Federal closures could cost the US economy significant sums per week, analysts suggest.

Financial and Political Consequences

Donald Trump and GOP officials in Congress have pushed back, and on the third day, the Department of Labor did not release its monthly data on job creation and unemployment, citing the closure.

The administration persisted in its practice of halting funding for initiatives in blue regions, with the OMB revealing that $2.1bn for a pair of transit infrastructure ventures in Chicago had been suspended “to make certain funding is not distributed via race-based contracting”.

Key Demands from Democrats

• Reverse reductions to the Medicaid system for low-income and disabled Americans
• Renew subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance policies
• Bring back funding cut from government-supported broadcasting
• Halt the “pocket rescission” of international assistance money

Healthcare costs are expected to increase for approximately twenty million individuals if the credits are not extended, while nearly ten million Americans may be deprived of medical coverage due to the cuts to the healthcare program and similar programs.

Partisan Deadlock Persists

John Thune has rejected bargaining over Democrats' demands until federal appropriations is restored. In an interview with a major network, he suggested he was not negotiating with his Democratic counterpart, Chuck Schumer.

“Our offices are not distant, so if he wants to chat, he is aware where to locate me. But I believe at this juncture right now, the issue set is pretty straightforward. I don’t know that … discussion is going to accomplish a lot.”

His remarks echoed those of the House speaker, who said “I truly have nothing to negotiate” with the opposition party.

Democratic Stance Stays Unchanged

The Democrats has shown no sign of changing its viewpoint. “We are very clear. We want to restart the government. We stand by hardworking federal civil servants. We seek to find a bipartisan path forward. But it’s must be an deal that truly meets the needs of the public,” Democratic leader the minority leader informed a news outlet.

Potential Divisions in Party Unity

It is uncertain if sufficient senators from the minority will continue supporting the party’s position. Three members have cast ballots to move forward the GOP funding bill, a split in the party that GOP leaders have said they will try to exploit.

Unprecedented Risks and Threats

Donald Trump has sought to raise the risks of this closure exceptionally significant. In addition to slashing funding in a way he has described as intended to punish Democrats, he has threatened conducting mass layoffs of government employees.

Politicized Communications Emerges

A number of federal agencies have posted biased and potentially illegal statements claiming their activities are limited due to “the Radical Left Democrat shutdown”. Insiders at the Department of Education say their out-of-office responses were altered without authorization to employ rhetoric blaming Democrats.