What happens if Congress doesn't fund the government?

If lawmakers can't reach a deal to avoid a shutdown, many federal workers would be furloughed, while essential functions like Social Security payments would continue.

What happens if Congress doesn't fund the government?
A stop sign is seen near the White House during a government shutdown in Washington in December 2018.

If lawmakers can't reach a deal to avoid a shutdown, many federal workers would be furloughed, while essential functions like Social Security payments would continue.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)