The government shutdown stretches on

The government shutdown that started Dec. 22 is still ongoing — which means some employees at the FDA, EPA, and other agencies remain unable to work. Democrats — who will take control of the House tomorrow — have put forward a plan to get the government back up and running. The two bills would fund all the departments affected by the shutdown for the rest of the fiscal year except the Department of Homeland Security, which would receive funding through early February. The House could vote on the proposal tomorrow, but it might not pass the GOP-held Senate or score the approval of President Trump. Meanwhile, a slew of federal employees who’ve been furloughed — including some scientists — have had to pause their work and face uncertainty about whether they’ll receive their checks next week.