WASHINGTON — The federal government is scheduled to shut down next week as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse on a spending deal. Government agencies are bracing for the potential closure and what that means for their employees and services.

Federal programs rely on annual appropriations that are approved by Congress every year before the Oct. 1 deadline, which is the day the new fiscal year begins. If a new spending framework is not passed and signed by the president before that date, federal agencies must freeze all nonessential discretionary functions until a new appropriations bill is enacted.

Essential services and mandatory spending programs continue to function, but thousands of government workers are often furloughed and other offices close their doors until further n

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