US government shutdown looms as parties in standoff

If the Republican and Democratic parties fail to reach a consensus on federal spending bills, Congress will be unable to pass the 12 spending bills needed to fund various government departments, leading to a government shutdown set to commence on Oct 1.

Once the shutdown occurs, millions of government employees will be forced into unpaid leave, with their salaries delayed. Only the President, members of Congress, and certain law enforcement will continue working.