The US government shutdown looked set to extend into a third week as senators again rejected a Republican funding bill Thursday despite President Donald Trump's attempts to turn the thumbscrews on opposition Democrats.

Federal agencies have been out of money since October 1 and public services have been crippled amid stalled talks between the two sides that have led to a series of near daily failed votes to turn the lights back on.

With no sign of a breakthrough, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that a weekend session was unlikely, saying he was unsure "if that does any good," news website Semafor reported.

The Senate was due to be in session on Friday, with an eighth vote on the House-passed bill expected to fail.

Trump repeated his threats to slash government pr

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