The Senate rejected a Republican bill that would have paid essential government workers during the ongoing 23-day government shutdown.

As the government shutdown stretches into a fourth week, lawmakers are no closer to ending it. The Senate blocked a bill Thursday to pay federal employees who have been required to keep working during the shutdown.

The Senate is set to vote on advancing a measure to pay federal employees. What is it, and will it end the shutdown? What to know.

The back and forth on day 23 of the government shutdown comes as the two parties are at a protracted impasse with no signs of either side giving in.

The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill that would end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday, following a marathon speech by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

Md., appeared to agree to negotiations Thursday afternoon on a plan to pay federal employees and potentially contractors amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Fox News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the Senate’s failure to pass a bill to pay federal workers during the shutdown on 'America Reports.'

Sununu, who served the Granite State in the Senate until he lost a re-election bid to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., in 2008, said in an announcement video, “I'd be honored to have your support and return to the Senate to help calm the waters."