House lawmakers are back on Capitol Hill for their final week in session before Election Day, with the looming threat of a possible partial government shutdown. Congress has just five days to reach an agreement on funding the government for the new fiscal year starting on Oct. 1. Failure to pass a deal could result in thousands of federal employees being furloughed and various government programs temporarily closed.
Both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge the need for a short-term extension of this year's funds, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to provide more time for negotiations. However, there is a disagreement on the approach to be taken.
