The ongoing government shutdown reached a significant milestone on Tuesday, equaling the longest in U.S. history, as millions across the nation participated in elections while government operations remained stalled.

The Senate is poised for its 14th attempt to vote on a spending bill. Lawmakers concede that any resolution to the shutdown, now in its 35th day, will likely be postponed until after Election Day.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough to resolve the deadlock, which would restore essential funding to various programs.