US Federal Government 'shutdown' looms

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A shutdown of the US Federal Government is looming.

Darkness has settled in over Washington, DC, and right now all lawmakers are watching the clock with no overt optimism that a late night deal will be hammered out between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill.

At this late hour there is a lot of finger-pointing between the two polarized sides.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives did approve a short term funding measure, but by all accounts it has little chance of being approved by the Senate.

Democrats in the upper house are clinging to measures dear to them.

Photo of US Congress on January 19, 2018. /CGTN Photo

One is a safe haven in the United States for immigrants brought illegally in to the United States as children -the Deferred Action for Childhood -or DACA.

For his part, US President Donald Trump is letting his feelings known, through his favorite venue -- Twitter.

Earlier Trump vented, saying, "Government Funding Bill past (sp) last night in the House of Representatives. Now Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Showdown coming? We need more Republican victories in 2018!"

Senate Democrat Tim Kaine replied, saying he is confident the sides can come to an agreement but, added, "..we need a forcing mechanism. If the president were to say to congress you stay this weekend till we have a final deal, and I know that is going to be a bipartisan deal, and will support that deal - if he were to say that, that would be very, very helpful."

Journalists report ahead of a possible federal government shutdown at the White House in Washington, US, January 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

So, a lot of things would have to happen to avoid a shutdown.

Either the Senate approve the House measure or the House comes up with an entirely new proposal and gets the Senate to sign on in just a matter of hours.

One thing is for sure - punctuality, and efficient time management is not a trademark of US lawmakers.

There is an effort to try and create a short term measure. And, by short term I mean perhaps lasting just a week.

Democrats don't like the idea, because there is no provision for DACA dreamers.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah speaks during an interview ahead of a possible federal government shutdown at the White House in Washington, US, January 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

Dems also want disaster relief aid rolled in.

Republicans are adamantly opposed to that -saying they will do nothing to raise the massive US budget deficit.

So, unless there is an outbreak of congressional compromise the US government could shut down.

A 16-day shutdown back in 2013 ended up costing the US some 24-billion dollars in lost economic activity.