The tit-for-tat between Republicans and Democrats continues, as the unprecedented US government shutdown drags into its 34th day.
President Donald Trump said he would wait until the shutdown was resolved to deliver his annual state of the union address after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi banned him from doing so next week.
Today senators vote on two bills that could end the deadlock, but both are expected to fail extending the pain for government employees.
USSC chief executive officer Professor Simon Jackman is quoted in this report by ABC Radio's PM program.
