PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - The federal government shutdown continued into its ninth day on Thursday, and local lawmakers said they’re hoping to reach a negotiation before federal employees begin to feel strained.

The federal government shut down on Oct. 1, and on the ninth day, Congress still had not made progress in reopening. The Republican led Senate rejected motions on Thursday to advance competing bills for the seventh time.

Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) said Democrats want to have conversations about healthcare spending now, adding $1.5 trillion onto a four-week funding bill. He claimed they aim to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

“They’ve talked about the Obama healthcare premiums that run out at the end of the year. I think that’s a perfect conversation to h

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