Explained: Why Republicans, Trump are scrambling to avoid US govt shutdown

The last government shutdown in October 2013 lasted more than two weeks and more than 800,000 federal employees were furloughed

US President Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress are racing to meet a midnight Friday deadline to pass a short-term spending bill to keep the U.S. government open and prevent agencies from shutting down.

During government shutdowns, employees in all three branches of government are vulnerable to furlough, or temporary unpaid leave. Other “essential” workers, including those dealing with public safety and national security, continue working, some with and others without pay.

After previous government shutdowns, Congress passed measures to ensure that essential and nonessential employees received retroactive pay.

The last government shutdown in October 2013 lasted more than