Clock ticks toward Friday as US gov't shutdown looms

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to extend funding before the Friday's deadline.

"This isn't your typical Washington fracas and it shouldn't be treated as such," Schumer said.

The issue has "far more severe consequences than the typical political catfight," Schumer said.

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy blasted Democrats for combining government funding with a bid to increase the debt ceiling.

"I voted no once it became clear it couldn't pass," he said.

Cassidy said a budget resolution needs to be passed separately from the debt ceiling.

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua that each party is "making policy with an eye towards the 2022 elections and trying to position itself in the best possible manner."

"Ultimately, there will be a continuing resolution that keeps the government open, but there is a lot of posturing now for purely political reasons," West said.

"Each side sees the current situation as one that will benefit their party. Democrats want the public to believe Republicans are irresponsible and not committed to effective governance, while Republicans are focusing on the large spending bills and their view that too much money is being spent," West said.

A shutdown would mean many federal government functions would be put on hold until a budget is passed, and some federal workers would be placed on furlough.