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My mother said,
I'm sorry that you weren't here
because Father Seger was here visiting and he found a very nice orphanage for you.
And I said, but I'm not an orphan.
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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman.
The impasse in Congress continues as the federal government shutdown is more than two weeks old.
NPR's Sam Greenglass reports last night the Senate voted down a Republican short-term spending bill for the eighth time.
Republicans want to pass a stopgap funding bill,
but Democrats say Republicans need to negotiate over health insurance subsidies that are expiring soon.
Top Republicans say there's nothing to negotiate,
even as a handful of their members are having informal conversations.
with Democrats about potential paths forward.
But that hasn't resulted in much, and both parties are gearing up for an extended shutdown.
The White House says it's moved around funds to make sure troops get paid this week,
and food assistance for women and children continues.
And President Trump says he plans to fire more federal workers en masse
while the shutdown continues,
saying Democrat programs will be specifically targeted.