With only hours remaining before the midnight deadline, the lack of agreement on spending could lead to the US government shutdown, which will halt numerous government services and delaying pay for federal employees as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over a funding plan, with both sides pointing fingers for the ongoing stalemate.

While last-minute funding agreements have prevented several potential shutdowns in recent years, the current situation carries particularly high stakes. The White House has warned it may fire employees instead of placing them on furlough, and Democratic leaders are facing mounting pressure from the party’s progressive wing to take a firm stand against President Donald Trump , according to Bloomberg. Also Read | US govt shutdown to furlough 41

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