As the longest government shutdown continues, the Senate convened for a rare weekend session to seek solutions. Lawmakers are under pressure, with reports of 1,000 flight cancellations causing disruptions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that discussions are ongoing but stressed that Democrats are using federal workers as ‘pawns’ in the negotiations. Despite the slow start to the weekend session, talks are reportedly showing some promise. Meanwhile, Republicans are scrambling for new funding proposals as the impasse drags on. With bipartisan interest in protecting federal workers from layoffs, both parties remain far apart on key issues, raising concerns as the government shutdown enters day 39.