Published April 6, 2011 6:02pm EDT | Updated February 8, 2017 12:31pm EST

Potential Government Shutdown

112th Congress Convenes U.S. Capitol Reuters

Pentagon Aerial View, 640x360

U.S. Supreme Court Building

File Photo of U.S. Coast Guard Ship Reuters

National Zoo Lions

Post Office Mobile Unit Reuters

The White House Web Site Screen Grab

National Archives Building Washington DC Reuters

IRS Building New York City Reuters

Members of Congress, aides to Congress and the president are technically “essential” employees and will be paid, even if a budget deal cannot be reached by Friday. (Reuters)