Government shutdown deadlines — and even full-on shutdowns — aren’t new for Washington, but this time, with federal funding set to run out Saturday after midnight, no one knows quite what to expect.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to speak with reporters as Republicans work to pass an interim spending bill that would avoid a partial government shutdown and keep federal agencies funded through September, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP

When a shutdown happens, the government isn’t able to spend money — with some exceptions — meaning that federal employees across the country are expected to work without pay until after the shutdown ends. In turn, essential services will continue to operate, but resources will be significantly strained.

President Trump said Democrats would be "purely to blame" for a government shutdown after House Republicans passed a funding bill that is uncertain to pass in the Senate.