The United States faces a possible government shutdown as Congress struggles to pass a spending bill before the midnight deadline. The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, proposed a funding extension that faced opposition from both Democrats and prominent figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Essential government services would continue, but many programs, including food assistance and student loans, would be affected. The history of government shutdowns highlights the unique budgetary challenges in US politics, where bipartisan agreement is crucial for funding.