The clock is ticking for the federal government to avoid its first shutdown in almost seven years.

Congress has until just after midnight to get a bill to the president's desk and it doesn't sound like they are close to reaching a deal.

Stream Connecticut News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

Both sides spoke after a White House meeting pointing the finger at each other.

If there's a shutdown, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid payments and VA benefits would continue.

Essential workers like active-duty military and air traffic controllers would stay on the job.

National parks could close and many federal workers including at the Internal Revenue Service could go without pay.

Connecticut senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal both spoke out on Monday and said th

See Full Page