The longest shutdown, 35 days, occurred during President Donald Trump's first term in late 2018 and into 2019. Senate Democrats have refused to vote for a short-term measure to fund the government,

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Senate Republicans are headed to the White House — not for urgent talks on how to end it, but for a display of unity with President Donald Trump as they refuse to negotiate on any Democratic demands.

Democrats appear to oppose the idea, while Republicans suggest a long-term stopgap bill is possible if government does not reopen soon.

The government shutdown is now the third-longest funding lapse in modern history, and the Senate won't meet until Monday.

President Trump on Monday is meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House as the government shutdown stretches into Week 4. The duo signed a rare earth minerals agreement as the U.

Senate Republicans worry that Senate Democrats are creating a new blueprint for future funding fights but aren't ready to negotiate with on demands until after the government reopens.

Paul's comments come as the Senate has failed to pass a government funding measure that would reopen the government and allow federal workers to be paid.