The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill that would end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday, following a marathon speech by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

As Socrates or Yogi Berra might say, “knowing nothing" rules the shutdown standoff. President Trump’s role looms as Congress stalls, fatigue grows, and blame spreads.

The Social Security Administration will continue distributing disability and SSI payments, but some services are unavailable during the government shutdown.

The government shutdown extended into Day 20 on Monday as the Senate failed to advance a House-passed measure to end the impasse for an 11th time.

Californian governor deploying military to help families whose food benefits have been affected by the government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, following Trump's lunch with Republican senators at the White House, said the president is "prepared to sit down" with Democrats to talk about healthcare (specifically Obamacare subsidies) but only once the government shutdown ends.

Democrats continue to insist on greater health care spending as a condition to reopen the government. But Republicans disagree.

One government minister reportedly shook their head at King Charles III's response to the Prince Andrew scandal.