It's been a week since a federal shutdown ground work at numerous government agencies to a halt.

There's no indication that an agreement could come soon, as Republicans and Democrats in congress trade continue blame. Meanwhile, federal workers are stuck in limbo, and its unclear when or if they'll be able to return to their jobs. 

NPR's Labor Correspondent Andrea Hsu and political reporter Stephen Fowler explain what's causing the impasse  in congress and what's at stake for the federal employees caught in the middle.


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This episode was produced by Michael Levitt.

It was edited by Courtney Dorning, Padma Rama and Emily Kopp.

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