<h1>Senate filibuster blocks short-term funding bill, causing likely federal government shutdown at midnight and urgent budget standoff</h1> The Senate failed to overcome a filibuster on a short-term appropriations bill, with the vote falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance funding, triggering a near-certain federal shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats withheld support to compel negotiations on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and reversing recent Medicaid reductions; some senators crossed party lines but not enough to pass the measure. The White House directed agencies to execute orderly shutdown plans and warned of potential layoffs or program cuts. Legal and operational consequences include large-scale furloughs, suspension of nonessential services, and imminent pressure on lawmakers to enact continuing appropriations or risk prolonged disruption.