The government shutdown, now entering its third week, shows no signs of resolution as Democrats and Republicans continue to blame each other.

Vice President JD Vance criticized Democrats’ approach as “hostage-taking,” while Senate votes on a funding measure have repeatedly failed to reach the 60-vote threshold.

Democrats insist they will not support reopening the government without extending health insurance tax credits.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration began layoffs affecting over 4,000 federal workers, though some notices to CDC employees were rescinded in error, CBS News has reported.

Essential payments for the military are being ensured, but other federal workers remain unpaid, and Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo have closed due to the shutdown.