Senate and House face prolonged deadlock as government shutdown reaches three weeks

The US government shutdown enters its third week with the Senate set for its ninth vote on a House-passed bill to reopen the government, which has so far failed to secure enough support. Despite efforts to pay military personnel using alternative funds, the shutdown persists due to deep partisan disagreements over funding and health care provisions. Leaders from both parties criticize each other, with Democrats urging Republicans to return to negotiations and Republicans blaming Democrats for the deadlock.