The threat of a government shutdown has become a recurring event in Washington. Another one of those moments has arrived as the beginning of the fiscal year approaches Wednesday.

GOP and Democratic leaders are still at an impasse on a government funding extension with the Sept. 30 deadline approaching, risking partial shutdown of the federal government.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the White House of an “attempt at intimidation” following reports of an official memo telling federal agencies to prepare for mass firings as a government shutdown approaches.

As a government shutdown looms, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a tough choice, risking a political hit by opposing a spending bill that could trigger the very consequences he once warned against.