(MENAFN) The U.S. federal government remains in shutdown on its seventh consecutive day Tuesday, with no end in sight after Senate Democrats once again blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at extending government funding through Nov. 21.

House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the Senate Democrats’ opposition, stating at a press briefing, "So, that was their fifth vote to shut the government down on the American people. It is regrettable and sad, and real pain is being felt by real people because of these political shenanigans."

Johnson’s comments followed the Senate’s rejection of a Republican stopgap funding measure, which had passed the House, by a vote of 52-42 — falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance.

The Speaker emphasized the GOP’s commitment to funding the government but acknowledged the need for bipartisan cooperation: "The Republicans are trying to fund the government," he said, "and you need Republicans and Democrats to work together to get that done."

Addressing the plight of furloughed federal employees, Johnson expressed hope for their compensation, adding, "I hope that the furloughed workers receive back pay. Of course, we have some extraordinary Americans who serve the federal government. They serve valiantly, and they work hard, and they serve in these various agencies, doing really important work."

While the shutdown has not yet triggered a full-scale economic crisis, it continues to disrupt critical government functions and daily life for many Americans. Essential federal employees are either working without pay or placed on unpaid leave until a new budget is enacted. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has introduced the threat of layoffs amid the stalemate.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries attributed the ongoing shutdown to what he described as the "refusal and unwillingness" of President Donald Trump and Republicans to extend health care to working-class Americans.

"That's an unacceptable position, and that's why Democrats continue to fight this fight on behalf of the American people," Jeffries said at a news conference. He warned that the Trump-Republican shutdown is "part of a pattern of continuing to devastate the American economy."

Jeffries called for immediate government reopening and a spending deal to improve life for Americans: "Let's address it on behalf of the American people. Let's reopen the government. Let's end the Trump shutdown. Let's actually enact a spending agreement that makes life better for the American people."

On the issue of federal employees, Jeffries was firm: "Every single furloughed federal employee is entitled to back pay. Period full stop. The law is clear, and we will make sure that the law is followed."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also criticized Republicans, saying they must recognize that progress is impossible "unless we come to a bipartisan agreement to advance [the] health care crisis facing America."

He accused the Trump administration and GOP of being "not serious enough" about resolving both the healthcare issues and the shutdown.

Schumer and Jeffries stand ready to engage in discussions with Trump and Republicans. "We will happily welcome a chance to talk with Trump and with Republicans to sit down and seriously negotiate with them, so we can address the health care crisis facing Americans," Schumer said, urging the other side to return to the negotiating table.

"Democrats stand ready and willing to negotiate," he concluded.

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