The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill that would end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday

Democrats and Republicans remain gridlocked over federal funding, and Sen. Jeff Merkley's marathon speech delayed consideration of a government shutdown resolution.

Senator Jeff Merkley leads an overnight speech calling for an end to the government shutdown as Democrats urge President Trump to meet.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks about the ongoing government shutdown in the US Capitol in Washington, October 21, 2025. Now three weeks in, Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain at a stalemate on finding a government funding solution.

The U.S. government shutdown has lasted three full weeks, and the Senate plans to vote on judicial nominations Tuesday and a funding bill on Wednesday.