WASHINGTON—The nation’s largest federal workers’ union called for Congress to end the shutdown now in its fourth week, putting new pressure on Senate Democrats who have repeatedly blocked a Republican measure to reopen the government.

The government shutdown stretched into Day 27 on Monday as the stalemate over how to reopen the government continues.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government shutdown enters its 28th day on Tuesday with the nation’s largest union of federal employees pleading for an end, and the Senate’s chaplain praying for that.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn signed onto bill to pay for food assistance for 42 million Americans until Congress can reach a deal to open the government.

The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill that would end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday, following a marathon speech by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

Senate Chaplain Barry Black used his opening prayer to draw lawmakers' attention to the ongoing government shutdown and call for its end. He said he hoped those in the chamber would remember that there are "no gold medals given" for breaking the record for longest shutdown.

BOSTON ― Unhappy with what he views as a political blame game being spread by taxpayer-funded state communications, state Sen. Ryan Fattman shut down the Senate’s session after just a few minutes Monday, Oct. 27, and suggested he might do the same Oct. 30 unless the messaging changes.

As Republican and Democratic lawmakers trade blame for the U.S. government shutdown, some have begun to worry that the impasse is ceding their authority over federal spending to an increasingly assertive President Donald Trump.