For the fourth time in a row, US senators have failed to reach a budget agreement, extending the government shutdown into next week.
Two separate proposals, one from the Democrats and the other from the Republicans, fell short of the 60 votes needed to pass.
Following this new stalemate, the White House announced it would have to carry out mass layoffs to keep essential government services running if the shutdown does not end soon.
The main point of contention between the two parties concerns access to the healthcare system. Republicans want to restrict access, while Democrats aim to preserve Medicaid, which provides healthcare for the most disadvantaged groups.
These disagreements will prolong the shutdown into next week, with both parties blaming each other for the deadlock.
White House officials reiterated their intention to lay off federal employees if the shutdown continues, although no details have been given about which agencies might be affected or when the layoffs would begin.
