PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- With a deep divide between political parties and a 12:01 a.m. deadline approaching, a government shutdown is looming.

"We'll have to see where the public comes down in assigning blame," said Ben Dworkin, a political science professor at Rowan University. "At some point, someone is going to say, 'Let's cut a deal.'"

A shutdown would mean closures at national parks, including buildings along Independence Mall in Philadelphia . For the Steeles, visiting from Louisiana, plans to explore the nation's history are now uncertain.

"Philadelphia today and unfortunately Washington, D.C., tomorrow and the next four days after that - so hopefully it doesn't shut down," said Rusty Steele.

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The stalem

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