Senate to vote on whether to reopen government for the 4th time

The Senate on Friday — Day 3 of the shutdown — is expected to vote for a fourth time on short-term spending bills that could end the government's partial closure.

But the prospects of passage of either the Republican version — already passed by the Republican majority in the House — and a Democratic bill are slim. Under Senate procedures, some Democrats are needed to pass a funding bill, and so far not enough have crossed party lines to do so.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Thursday that if the bills are blocked again Friday, he will adjourn the chamber until Monday. This would bring the shutdown into its sixth day. The House, which has been away from Washington this week, is set to return to session next week.