Federal lawmakers are frantically trying to reach agreements today as the government could face a shutdown Friday.

A shutdown could be devastating to the nation’s already struggling economy.  A Huffington Post report states, “Many economists and budget analysts suggest that a government shutdown, if it's lengthy, or even a deal that calls for deep short-term spending cuts could stifle economic growth and lead the country back into recession.” In a previous connectmidmichigan.com report, NBC25’s Dave Kinchen discovered that if the Federal Government were to shutdown at midnight on Friday, could cause tax refunds to run late, federal court cases could be slowed, and national parks would temporarily close. Vital programs, such as the military, social security, and air traffic control operations, would continue.