A Standoff Continues: Government Shutdown Hits Day 38

The government shutdown is now in its 38th day, and things aren't looking good. Senate Republicans have turned down a proposal from Democrats to reopen the government and extend healthcare subsidies for a year. They said it wasn't good enough. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer made the offer, but Republicans weren't having it. They want the government open first before talking about healthcare. Republicans met to figure out what to do next, but they're still stuck. Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana said they're back to square one. Meanwhile, both sides are feeling the pressure. Airlines had to cancel over 1, 000 flights, government workers aren't getting paid, and millions of people are waiting for food aid. Senate Majority Leader John Thune asked Democrats to "end these weeks of misery. " He kept the Senate working over the weekend, hoping for a deal. President Trump also wanted the Senate to stay until they could end the shutdown. Some moderate Democrats are trying to find a compromise, but it's tough. They're talking about passing bills to fund parts of the government, like food aid and veterans' programs, but Republicans aren't promising anything on healthcare. Democrats need just five senators to switch sides to reopen the government, but Republicans aren't budging. Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire said they need another way forward. They're still working on it, but time is running out.