President Trump and Senate Republicans are escalating their pressure tactics after Sen. Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) Democrats voted once again to prolong the government shutdown - as the White House confirms that more than 10,000 federal workers are facing pink slips.

The Senate voted 51-44 Wednesday against the Republicans' plan to end the bitter impasse, which now enters a third week, CNBC reported.

Only three Democrats have voted to end the shutdown consistently. They are Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Angus King (I-ME).

Dems prolong shutdown

At its core, the shutdown battle is about Obamacare and the Democrats' insistence that Republicans agree to permanently extend COVID-era enhanced subsidies that help people afford the steep premiums on the insurance marketplace.

All told, the Democrats' wish list has an estimated cost of over $1 trillion.

Republicans need more Democrats to cross the aisle in order to bypass the 60-vote filibuster, but Democrats have refused to budge as they look to magnify the issue of healthcare ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

While Republicans say they are willing to negotiate healthcare subsidies when the government is back open, Democrats say that's not good enough, with open enrollment around the corner.

“As we speak, families are receiving letters for their new health insurance rates, and more states, more states are opening their window shopping period for what health insurance will look like next year,” Schumer said.

“With open enrollment around the corner, Republicans cannot continue to kick this can down the road. It’s happening now. The health care crisis is now,” Schumer said.

Trump's purge

Republicans are trying to make Democrats pay a political price by blaming them for missed paychecks, especially for the military, and disruptions to public assistance.

While Trump takes temporary measures to keep the troops paid, he is also moving to fire thousands of federal workers, who generally skew Democratic. A judge has blocked the layoffs for now.

Trump's "Grim Reaper," budget director Russ Vought, said Wednesday that the number of firings will "probably end up being north of 10,000.”

GOP shifts strategy

Meanwhile, Senate majority leader John Thune (R-SD) is scheduling a vote on the annual defense spending bill on Thursday. He is essentially daring Democrats to vote against a bill that would pay the troops, if it passes.

Thune's approach has Democrats in a bind. If the bill fails, then they're against paying the troops. But if passes, Republicans will be able to say that the shutdown is all for show.

“Not even the prospect of military families going without a paycheck was enough for Democrats to reopen the government,” Thune said.

“Nor are Democrats concerned about needy families uncertain about ... the future of nutrition assistance, or Americans in flood zones who are unable to update their insurance or close on a home in the midst of hurricane season,” Thune said.