WASHINGTON — The U.S. government shutdown becomes the longest on record Wednesday after surpassing the 35-day mark.

The U.S. Senate for a 14th time failed to pass a short-term spending bill to reopen the government on Tuesday, but signs of a potential deal continued to be floated by lawmakers from both parties.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, said he hoped bipartisan negotiators were "close" to reaching a deal, but added "the cross-pressures that everybody's feeling are great."

"I think there are people who realize this has gone on long enough, and there's been enough pain inflicted on the American people and it's time to end it," Thune said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has been urging Democrats to withhold their

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