Funding Fight: Will the Government Shut Down?

The government might close down soon. Republicans have a plan to keep things running, but Democrats aren't happy. They want changes. If they can't agree, the government could stop working. The Republicans want to keep the government funded until late November. They also want to add more money for security. But Democrats say no. They want to fix health care subsidies that are about to end. They also want to undo some changes Republicans made to Medicaid. The Republicans say they won't change Medicaid. But they might talk about health care subsidies later. Democrats say they need 60 votes in the Senate to pass the bill. They want changes, or they won't agree.Some people say a shutdown is unlikely. Both parties don't want it. A shutdown would stop important programs like food assistance and veterans' services. That would be bad for everyone. The Republicans have a small majority. They can only lose two votes. Some Republicans have already said they don't like the plan. The House will vote by Friday. Then the bill goes to the Senate. They have until September 30 to agree. It's a mess. Both sides need to work together. If they don't, the government could shut down. That would be bad for everyone.