CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - Congress has until midnight to avoid a government shutdown, but if national lawmakers fail to agree, South Carolina would feel some direct effects.

But that measure needs 60 votes in the Senate. Democrats say they won’t support it unless healthcare protections are included.

Since 1980, there have been 14 full government shutdowns, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Typically, the government doesn’t completely shut down. Instead, functions critical to the protection of lives and property are deemed essential and remain open.

This year, the stakes of a shutdown are higher. The Trump administration has signaled it may go beyond usual furloughs. A recent memo instructs federal agencies to prepare for reduction-in-force actions, potentially eliminating jo

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