The Senate is returning to Washington on Monday with no clear path to avoid a federal shutdown, as both parties continue to blame the other for lawmakers’ failure to keep the government funded.

If Congress fails to approve a funding extension by the end of Tuesday, spending laws will expire and the U.S. government will become a bare-bones operation, only continuing functions that are necessary to protect life or public property.

The Senate is expected to vote on two proposals Tuesday that, if passed, would avert a shutdown. But as of Monday, Republicans and Democrats remain steadfastly opposed to the other party’s plan, and neither one is expected to get enough votes.

Republicans are proposing to extend current funding through Nov. 21 to buy more time for bipartisan negotiations over fu

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