Why is the U.S. heading toward a government shutdown? Here's what's behind the coming funding lapse

Washington — The federal government will begin shutting down at 12 a.m. on Wednesday if lawmakers do not reach an agreement to extend government funding, an outcome that appears more and more likely as the deadline approaches.

Republicans and Democrats have been at odds over how to fund the government as Democrats have pushed for negotiations over health care tax credits to be included in a funding measure. Without an extension or approval of another funding bill, spending authority is set to expire, sending the federal government into a shutdown .

Each agency and department would begin shutdown procedures on Wednesday morning, leading to hundreds of thousands of workers being placed on furlough. Essential employees will stay on the job, but nearly all employees, whether furloug