Senate Democrats have voted down a Republican bill to keep funding the government, putting it on a near-certain path to a shutdown after midnight Wednesday for the first time in almost seven years.

What we know:

A partisan standoff over health care and spending may cause the first U.S. government shutdown in seven years.

The Senate has voted down two short-term spending bills — one Democratic proposal and one Republican proposal.

Senate Democrats demand health care subsidies and Medicaid cuts be addressed before passing a funding bill.

Thousands of federal workers face furloughs or layoffs if the government shuts down at midnight Wednesday.

There are currently 4 hours before the government shuts down.

The 55-45 vote Tuesday on the bill to extend federal funding for seven weeks fell

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