The US government is increasingly likely to shut down next week. Here's why.

"As of now, the US government is on track to shut down next week. Republicans and Democrats haven't agreed on a plan to fund the federal government past Tuesday, September 30, when current funding expires. That means federal employees may be forced to work without pay (or fired), national parks and museums could close, and other important government functions could be suspended."

"Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the presidency - but they can't fund the government through GOP votes alone. That's because in the Senate, most major bills require at least 60 votes to pass due to the "filibuster." There are only 53 Republican senators, so they need Democratic votes to pass a government funding bill. Both parties want to pass a short-term funding bill to give Congress more time to pass full government funding bills for next year."

As of now, the US government is on track to shut down next week because Congress has not agreed on funding past September 30. Republicans control the House, Senate, and presidency but lack the 60 Senate votes required to pass funding without Democratic support. Both parties seek a short-term continuing resolution but remain at an impasse as Democrats press for concessions and many House Republicans refuse to negotiate. A shutdown would force federal employees to work without pay or be furloughed, close national parks and museums, delay flights, and suspend other government functions. The White House has signaled willingness to let a shutdown occur.

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