As lawmakers dig in, federal employees face mounting uncertainty over pay, operations and the ripple effects of another prolonged funding lapse.

A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding bills or a stopgap measure to keep federal agencies operating.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made a major calculation in March: He voted to keep the government open and convinced enough Democrats to go along with him – and endured furious blowback from the left.

Democratic warned Republicans they will not support a measure that doesn’t address their concerns on the soaring cost of health insurance coverage for millions of Americans.

Gaming out what might happen over the next few days as lawmakers move to avert yet another government shutdown – and a look at both parties' strategies.

The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday cleared the way for a vote later this week on a stopgap funding measure to avert a partial federal government shutdown in two weeks.

House Republicans plan to vote Friday morning on a short-term measure to fund the government as a shutdown deadline nears.