RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Congress is no closer to funding a stopgap bill that would keep the federal government running after Sept. 30. Both parties continue to dig their heels in. Republicans want a clean resolution, while Democrats want to include a funding extension of premium insurance tax credits as part of the Affordable Care Act.

If no deal can be reached and the federal government shuts down, it could have a dramatic impact on the 2026 election. Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper said the length of a shutdown is key.

“If this is a couple of days, maybe even a week, people aren't going to remember this next month, much less next year. But if we have a one-month government shutdown, if we start getting towards the Christmas season, if the leaves have

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