Republicans are swatting down an offer from Democrats to end the government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the new offer from Democrats is a "non-starter." The proposal from Democrats would reopen the government and include a one-year extension of expiring health care subsidies. It's unclear what may happen next. Thune suggested a weekend session of the Senate was possible, and idea that President Donald Trump endorsed in a social media post. Despite the stalemate, lawmakers in both parties were feeling increased urgency to end the shutdown, which has now lasted for 38 days.

The government shutdown is entering a third week, and Democrats say they're not intimidated by President Donald Trump's efforts to fire thousands of federal workers or by his threats of more firings to come. In fact, Democrats appear emboldened. And they're showing no signs of caving as they return to Washington from their home states. Senate Democrats, in votes Tuesday and Wednesday, again rejected a Republican bill to open the government. Republicans are now planning additional votes on individual spending bills, starting Thursday with the defense legislation that would fund salaries for the military. It's unclear whether Democrats will support it.