Lawmakers Work to Keep Government Open

Congress is racing to pass a federal budget bill. Lawmakers face a deadline this fall. Senate Republicans want to avoid a government shutdown. A shutdown happens when Congress fails to approve funding for federal agencies. During a shutdown, many offices close.

Some workers do not get paid until a deal is reached. This push comes before the November midterm elections. Voters will choose many members of Congress then. Lawmakers returned from their August break with limited time left. Leaders from both parties say they want to avoid disrupting families and businesses.

Congress is racing to pass a federal budget bill before funding expires this fall. Senate Republicans control the chamber and want to move quickly. Lawmakers just returned from their August recess with a packed schedule. A government shutdown happens when Congress cannot agree on spending bills for federal agencies. During a shutdown, many offices close and thousands of workers go without pay.

This year's budget fight matters even more because midterm elections are just months away. In November, voters will decide who controls the House and Senate. Both parties want to avoid a shutdown that could upset voters. Still, disagreements remain over spending levels and other policy add-ons. In recent years, Congress has used short-term funding patches to buy extra time. Lawmakers could use a similar patch again if a full deal is not ready.

Groups tracking the talks say negotiators are closer than they were earlier this summer. Some key details are still being ironed out by both parties. If Congress fails to act, federal workers could go without pay. National parks could close and some services families rely on could be delayed. The Congressional Budget Office is also monitoring the negotiations closely. Analysts say a resolution could come within the next few weeks.