The Trump administration is looking for alternative ways to ensure federal law enforcement officers are paid as the government shutdown enters its third week.
With Democrats and Republicans locked in a stalemate over the shutdown, officials in government are exploring alternative ways of paying for some key programmes, including a food programme for women and children.
Members of the US military, meanwhile, will be paid using funds previously allocated to the Pentagon following an order from President Donald Trump.
Thousands of federal workers have already been laid off, with Vice-President JD Vance warning of "painful" additional cuts should the shutdown continue.
It is unclear how much money would be necessary to ensure that all federal law enforcement officers are paid.
