The U.S. Senate on Friday failed for the fourth time to advance legislation that would end the three-day government shutdown, ensuring the federal funding crisis will extend into next week with no clear resolution in sight.

In back-to-back votes Friday afternoon, the Senate rejected both parties’ competing funding proposals. The Republican-backed House-passed continuing resolution (H.R. 5371) fell short in a 54-44 vote, six votes shy of the 60 needed to advance. The Democratic alternative (S. 2882), which included healthcare provisions, failed by an even wider margin of 46-52.

Only three Democrats crossed party lines to support the Republican funding measure: Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Angus King of Maine (an independent who caucuses with Democrats). On the Republican side, Rand Paul of Kentucky was the sole GOP senator to oppose his party’s bill.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced that the chamber would recess until Monday, making this potentially a six-day shutdown if no agreement is reached. This marks the longest government shutdown since the 35-day closure during Trump’s first term from 2018-2019.

The core disagreement centers on healthcare subsidies. Democrats insist any funding bill must include an extension of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, which are set to expire at the end of December. These subsidies currently help approximately 24 million Americans with their healthcare costs. Republicans argue this issue should be addressed separately from government funding.

The White House indicated Friday it may implement significant layoffs to maintain essential government functions if the shutdown persists.

Trump has already put a hold on billions in federal funding for traditionally Democratic-leaning states and threatened to dismiss additional federal employees beyond the 300,000 expected to be removed by year’s end. Budget Director Russ Vought has instructed federal agencies to prepare layoff plans for workers whose roles don’t align with the administration’s objectives.

The shutdown has suspended numerous government functions including scientific research, economic data releases, and financial oversight. Approximately 2 million federal employees have had their pay halted, though “essential” workers such as military personnel and airport security staff must continue reporting for duty without pay.

This represents the 15th government shutdown since 1981, the 4th under President Trump.