Congress Faces Government Funding Deadline

Congress returns to work this week with a September 30 deadline to pass a stopgap funding measure and avoid a federal government shutdown.

If no agreement is reached, federal employees classified as essential would continue working without pay until the shutdown ends. Nonessential employees would be furloughed. Both groups would receive back pay once funding is restored, but the requirement does not extend to federal contractors.

If lawmakers pass a stopgap measure, it would likely fund the government through mid-November or mid-December, giving Congress additional time to negotiate full-year appropriations.