Government shutdown nears with no deal in Washington

Andy Sullivan . Richard Cowan . Bo Erickson . David Morgan . Reuters Washington braced for a fast-approaching government shutdown on Tuesday, as Republicans and Democrats appeared unlikely to reach an agreement that would extend funding past a midnight deadline. The Republican-controlled Senate is expected to vote on a temporary spending bill that has failed once already, with no sign that a second vote will bring success. Democrats want to modify the must-pass spending bill to extend health benefits for millions of Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say they must tackle that issue separately. Federal agencies, meanwhile, issued detailed plans that would close offices conducting scientific research, customer service, and other activities...