After six days of gridlock, the U.S. government remains shut down amid a fierce dispute between President Donald Trump’s Republicans and congressional Democrats. A looming threat of mass layoffs from the White House amplifies tensions for federal workers and lawmakers alike.

With only three-and-a-half weeks remaining, Congress faces increasing pressure to reach an agreement and prevent a federal government shutdown. If lawmakers fail to act, federal workers and grant-reliant programs in Northeast Tennessee could suffer the consequences.