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The Senate has again failed to agree on a short-term funding bill, guaranteeing that the government shutdown will continue through the weekend.

Getting into it: In a 54-44 vote, the Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance a House-passed continuing resolution that would have reopened the government through November 21. Three members of the Democratic caucus (Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME)) broke ranks to support the measure, while Republican Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) voted against it. The rest of the Democratic caucus remained unified against reopening the government, demanding that any short-term funding bill include a permanent extension of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

What both sides are arguing: Republicans argue that Democrats are holding the government hostage over a healthcare demand they believe can be negotiated after reopening. Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) has described the continuing resolution as a “clean, short-term, nonpartisan CR” and criticized Democrats for rejecting what he calls the only viable legislative path to reopening the government. GOP lawmakers have accused Democrats of using the shutdown as leverage to reinstate healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants and push through a massive permanent healthcare expansion without reforms.

Democrats, meanwhile, insist they are standing firm to protect affordable healthcare, arguing that failure to extend the ACA premium subsidies before open enrollment begins in November will lead to skyrocketing premiums for millions of Americans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has cited polling that shows broad bipartisan support for the extension and claims Republicans are refusing to negotiate in good faith.

Adding fuel to the partisan fire, many lawmakers were sent home for the weekend, a move Democrats blasted as proof that Republicans are not serious about ending the shutdown.

The Senate has again failed to agree on a short-term funding bill, ensuring that the US government shutdown will continue through the weekend.