The Brief

WASHINGTON - The stalemate over a government funding bill on Capitol Hill threatens to lead to a shutdown and potential mass layoffs, adding pressure to an already tense situation.

The threat of mass layoffs

The Republican-led House has passed a continuing resolution to maintain current funding levels. However, Democrats in the Senate are pushing for additional policies, including health care funding.

The White House has issued a memo to federal agencies warning them to prepare for possible layoffs if a shutdown occurs. This move has upset Democratic lawmakers and unions, who argue that civil servant jobs should not be used as bargaining chips.

What they're saying:

"It’s nerve-racking. Not only for the area, I know there are a lot of federal employees, I have friends that

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