The Senate on Oct. 9 defeated for a seventh time two continuing resolutions to temporarily extend federal funding, as Republicans and Democrats present differing versions of the cause of the federal government shutdown.
The shutdown began on Oct. 1 after spending authority for the federal government expired, causing the suspension of all but essential services.
Republicans presented a continuing resolution that would extend current funding through Nov. 21. That resolution passed the House on Sept. 19.
Democrats have offered a competing resolution that would add about $1.5 trillion in additional spending, mostly involving health care.
Both resolutions failed votes to end debate and bring the proposals to an up or down vote. That process, called invoking cloture, requires a 60-vote majority under Senate rules….