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Democratic and Republican leaders remain far apart on how to end the federal funding lapse as additional votes nears on Monday.

In separate Sunday appearances, the House minority leader and GOP leader each pointed fingers at opponents for the persistent gridlock, which will begin its fifth day on Monday.

Medical Coverage Emerges as Major Sticking Point

The primary dividing issue has been health insurance. The minority party want to ensure coverage support for economically disadvantaged Americans do not expire and aim to reverse reductions in the government healthcare program.

A legislation financing the government has been approved by representatives, but has consistently stalled in the Senate.

Accusations and Counterclaims Grow

The House minority leader alleged conservative lawmakers engaged in "lying" about the opposition's goals "because they're losing the public sentiment". However, the Republican leader said the opposition is "lacking seriousness" and participating insincerely - "this approach helps to get protection from criticism".

Legislative Calendar and Procedural Hurdles

The Upper chamber plans to reconvene Monday afternoon and reconsider a pair of stopgap bills to finance the government. Meanwhile, Democratic representatives will gather Monday to consider next steps.

The GOP leader has continued a legislative break for several days, meaning the House of Representatives will not be in session to address a budget legislation in case the upper chamber modifies legislation and come to a deal.

Legislative Math and Political Realities

Conservative lawmakers possess a slim advantage of 53 votes in the 100-seat Senate, but all appropriations bills will require sixty approvals to become law.

In his weekend appearance, the conservative leader stated that liberal lawmakers' denial to approve a short-term spending bill that maintained existing budgets was needless. The insurance assistance being debated continue through the December 31st, he said, and a Democratic proposal would add too much increased appropriations in a temporary seven-week bill.

"There remains sufficient time to figure that out," he said.

Immigration Assertions and Medical Discussion

He also contended that the subsidies would not help address what he says are significant issues with insurance regulations, including "unauthorized migrants and able-bodied young men lacking children" accessing Medicaid.

Some Republicans, including the second-in-command, have described the Democrats' position as "attempting to provide medical coverage to undocumented immigrants". Liberal lawmakers reject those assertions and individuals without legal status are ineligible for the programs the liberal lawmakers advocate.

Democratic Viewpoint and Healthcare Worries

The opposition spokesman told weekend television that Democrats feel the consequences of the terminating assistance are critical.

"We support the healthcare of hard-working American taxpayers," he said. "If Republicans continue to refuse to continue the healthcare law assistance, dozens of millions of working Americans are going to encounter dramatically increased monthly payments, co-payments, and initial costs."

Voter Sentiment Shows Widespread Disapproval

Latest research has discovered that US citizens perceive each side's management of the government closure critically, with the President also receiving poor ratings.

The poll found that 80% of the nearly 2,500 Americans polled are significantly or slightly anxious about the closure's impact on the economy. Only 23% of those polled said the Republican position was worth a shutdown, while 28% said the same of liberal lawmakers' stance.

The polling found voters blame the Chief Executive and Republicans in Congress most for the impasse, at 39%, but Democrats were not far behind at 30%. About 31% of Americans polled said all parties were to blame.

Growing Effects and Executive Threats

Meanwhile, the results of the shutdown are starting to accumulate as the impasse extends to its second consecutive week. On the weekend, The National Gallery of Art announced it had to cease public access due to budget shortfalls.

The Chief Executive has repeatedly threatened to use the funding lapse to carry out mass layoffs across the US government and reduce federal operations that he says are significant for Democrats.

The details of those possible reductions have not been made public. The administration leader has stated it is a chance "to clear out dead wood, waste, and fraud. Substantial funds can be preserved".

When inquired concerning the statements in the weekend discussion, the GOP leader said that he had lacked specific information, but "this represents an unfortunate circumstance that the president does not want".

"I desire the Democratic leader to do the right thing that he's done throughout his three-decade tenure in Congress and support continuing the national functions active," the House speaker said, adding that as long as the impasse continues, the executive branch has "must consider difficult choices".