The federal government has been shut down for almost four weeks, with no end in sight. But even if Congress finds a way out of its current stalemate, lawmakers fear they’ll be right back in the same position soon.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a government shutdown has become a recurring event in Washington, though most of the time lawmakers and the president are able to head it off. This time, however, prospects for a last-minute compromise look rather bleak.

Washington is hours away from another federal government shutdown, with prospects looking bleak for a last-minute compromise in Congress to avoid closures beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Republicans have crafted a short-term measure to fund the ...

The federal government partially shut down early Wednesday ... aimed at keeping the government open through Nov. 21, passed the House mainly along party lines earlier in September. Democrats expressed frustration at being shut out of spending negotiations ...

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Republicans and Democrats blame each other for the funding gap, and there is little sign either side is willing to compromise.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has seized on the government shutdown as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce and punish detractors, meeting with budget director Russ Vought on Thursday to talk through “temporary or permanent” spending cuts that could set up a lose-lose dynamic for Democratic lawmakers.

Congress has until 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, to pass a funding bill and avoid a partial government shutdown. A funding agreement requires bipartisan support in the Senate, but Republicans and Democrats have not yet reached a deal. Essential services ...

Federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the expiration of subsidies for Obamacare are the key disputes between Republicans and Democrats in the shutdown.