Senators work through weekend as US government shutdown enters 40th day

The US government shutdown has entered its 40th day (Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

The US government shutdown stretched into its 40th day on Sunday, even as senators stayed in Washington for a gruelling weekend session hoping to find an end to the funding fight that has disrupted flights nationwide, threatened food assistance for millions of Americans, and left federal workers without pay.

The Senate has so far shown few signs of progress over a weekend that could be crucial for the shutdown fight.