WASHINGTON — Heading into its third week, the federal government shutdown is fast turning into another test of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership of Republicans.

Saying their work was done, the Benton Republican sent the House home in September and the chamber hasn’t convened since. That left the majority Republican Senate to approve the House-passed resolution that would continue government operations until Thanksgiving.

Despite daily votes, the Senate can’t drum up enough Democratic support to pass the continuing resolution that would reopen government.

In the meantime, flights are being canceled and Wednesday’s paychecks for the troops may not be sent.

“I’m a very patient man, but I am angry right now,” Johnson told reporters.

Democrats want Republicans to negotiate on s

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