Here's how long the government shutdown could go on

The Brief

On Wednesday morning, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution to keep agencies operating.

It's rare that government shutdowns go on for multiple weeks, but it does happen.

This shutdown is expected to last at least three days, as the Senate isn't likely to hold any votes until at least Oct. 3.

WASHINGTON - At 12 a.m. Wednesday morning, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution to keep agencies operating.

Republicans have introduced a stopgap bill that would fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats have so far blocked it, as the bill does not include what they believe to be adequate health care funding.

Democrats want to negotiate with Republicans to extend the Affordabl