Senate Democrats have voted down a Republican bill to keep funding the government, putting it on a near certain path to a shutdown after midnight Wednesday for the first time in almost seven years. Read moreDemocrats vote down GOP funding bill, putting government on path to shutdown

With a government shutdown just hours away, Democrats and Republicans angrily blamed each other and refused to budge from their positions Tuesday, unable to find agreement or even negotiate as hundreds of thousands of federal workers stood to be furloughed or laid off. Read moreUS government on brink of first shutdown in almost 7 years during partisan standoff

The U.S. government is nearing a partial shutdown, with a range of effects on public services and the broader economy. Employee furloughs and potential layoffs would halt some government activities. While other functions would continue — including the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs would continue but some payments to providers could be delayed with certain employees off the job. The FDA, USDA and CDC would continue some of their public health functions, but with staff still diminished by furloughs. And long-term research programs would be halted. Air Traffic Controllers would stay on the job. But the training program for new controllers would likely halt, upending efforts to address a critical shortage in the profession. Read moreHere are some effects of a government shutdown if Congress, Trump don't reach a deal

Federal employees are on alert as a potential government shutdown looms. Read moreFederal employees face uncertainty as government shutdown deadline nears