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.

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.   Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

Labor Day weekend travel forecast NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.

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