A possible federal government shutdown is only days away as congressional lawmakers remain at odds over funding the government beyond September 30.

A U.S. government shutdown would disrupt key services, forcing agencies to scale back operations while essential programs continue.

The Internal Revenue Service's contingency plans for a government shutdown are currently unknown, with the web page for the most recent plan from last December returning an error message as of Friday afternoon.

Painful preparation for possible funding lapses inside agencies like the IRS creates headaches, and distracts from essential duties, writes former IRS communications director Terry Lemons.

Oregon’s Democratic members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives voted against a short-term federal spending package.

Despite a White House directive on further RIFs, some questioned the ability for agencies to put together those plans just days before a government shutdown.

The Trump administration has threatened to fire federal workers rather than simply furlough them if the government shuts down on October 1

Recent shutdowns have shown how federal interruptions can stall mortgage closings and regulatory functions critical to property transactions.

For some Americans, the most visible affect of a shutdown could come at the airport. Though most TSA agents and air traffic controllers are considered essential, federal officials have warned that shutdowns may lead to lines and delays at airports nationwide.