Alva Review-Courier -

WASHINGTON (AP) — A standoff between Democrats and Republicans has the federal government on the brink of shutting down. Here's a look at what the dispute is about and what will happen if it isn't resolved by midnight Friday.

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WHAT ARE LAWMAKERS FIGHTING ABOUT?

Since the end of the fiscal year in September, the government has been operating on temporary funding measures. The current one is set to expire at midnight. Republicans and Democrats have not been able to agree on spending levels for the rest of the year, so another short-term measure is the most obvious solution. The House has pass...