Democrats appear to oppose the idea, while Republicans suggest a long-term stopgap bill is possible if government does not reopen soon.

The government shutdown is in its third week as the Senate failed again to advance a House-passed measure to fund the government.

Senate Democrats want an extension to expiring Obamacare subsidies, but Republicans won't budge until the government is reopened.

President Trump on Monday is meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House as the government shutdown stretches into Week 4. The duo signed a rare earth minerals agreement as the U.

The government shutdown is now the third-longest funding lapse in modern history, and the Senate won't meet until Monday.

Senate Republicans worry that Senate Democrats are creating a new blueprint for future funding fights but aren't ready to negotiate with on demands until after the government reopens.

Paul's comments come as the Senate has failed to pass a government funding measure that would reopen the government and allow federal workers to be paid.