As the federal government shutdown moves into its second week, there鈥檚 no sign of 鈥減olitical or practical consequences that would create enough pressure to break the impasse鈥� (, subscription).

What鈥檚 going on:听鈥淎ll signs point to another week of posturing and repeat Senate votes that fail to get the 60 votes needed to reopen the government. Congressional leaders in both parties insist that they have the upper hand and that the other side bears the blame for the shutdown.鈥�

The background:听Funding for much of the federal government lapsed on Sept. 30 just ahead of the new fiscal year that started on Oct. 1.

• A House-passed measure to extend current funding levels to mid-November is stalled in the Senate.
• House members left Washington Sept. 19 and have yet to return.

What could be next:听Agencies could begin听federal worker layoffs if negotiations stall.听But 鈥渢wo labor unions have filed a legal challenge to the possible mass firings,鈥� and some scholars have questioned the legality of such terminations during a shutdown.

The effects so far:听鈥淸H]undreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed and others are working without pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics didn鈥檛 release the monthly jobs report on its usual schedule. Some government-funded facilities, including the National Arboretum and National Gallery of Art in Washington, closed to the public.鈥�

• Other functions, including Social Security payments, are continuing as usual.

What could be coming:听If not resolved by midmonth, the shutdown will start 鈥渨eighing on consumer spending and economic growth,鈥� as federal workers will begin foregoing paychecks.

Questions and concerns:听If your operations have been impacted, please reach out to your 51吃瓜网 membership representative.