The United States government may face yet another shutdown on October 1, if the country’s lawmakers fail to reach consensus on a funding legislation for the federal government. But is such a situation avoidable?

At the core of the disagreement between members of the Republican and Democratic parties is the issue of the United States’ debt ceiling. Negotiations to avoid the looming shutdown may be underway, however, so far the United States Senate seems to be divided. 

Also Read: When Donald Trump’s border wall led to the longest shutdown in US history

Earlier this week, the Senate voted on a legislation that could avoid the potential shutdown of the US government. However, the vote on the procedural motion ended with a tally of 48 to 50.  The Republicans opposed the temporary measure because it included an extension of a debt limit.  

According to reports from BBC, the most likely outcome at this stage of the political standoff, the Democratic party might introduce a continuing resolution and send it to the House of Representatives for approval.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader and a member of the Democratic party, said the Senate “can approve this measure quickly, and send it to the House so it can reach the President’s desk before funding expires [at] midnight tomorrow”, according to reports from BBC.

However, in case either of the parties agree on a middle ground or choose to compromise, the stand-off is likely to continue in the Senate, where the resolution would require 60 votes.

Time is running out and the government shutdown will be triggered when the clock strikes midnight on September 30. The lawmakers have till then to approve funding for the government.

As the administration fights to keep the government running, the House is also expected to vote on an infrastructure bill on Thursday that a group of Democrats have threatened to block to maximize their leverage over a separate multitrillion-dollar package.