The Senate again voted down the House-passed funding bill to reopen the federal government Wednesday. The 12th vote on the legislation failed 54-46. It followed a 22-hour speech from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.

The vote was 49-45. Two Democrats joined Republicans to advance the bill, and Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune switched his vote to no, a procedural move that allows him to bring up the bill for another vote.

The Senate votes today, Thursday, Oct. 9, for the seventh time on congressional spending bills as the government shutdown 2025 continues as tensions flared between lawmakers on Capitol Hill before senators took the floor this morning. The Senate returned ...