Congress has less than two days to prevent a government shutdown.

That's where we're starting the seven from the Washington Post.

I'm Jeff Pierre.

Today is Friday, September 29th.

Let's get you caught up with today's seven stories.

At number one today,

lawmakers have to pass a new law by Saturday night to extend government funding and avert a shutdown.

If they don't, many key federal services will come to a halt at 12.01 a.m. on Sunday.

That includes things like national parks, food stamps,

tax return processing, and military pay. Maryland Democratic Congressman

Kwaisi M. Fume spoke about the shutdown during a hearing yesterday.

People are going to be hurt when this time runs out.

This is not the wizard of Oz when all of a sudden she turns over the hourglass while the

wicked witch is standing there.

These are children, these are women,

these are military officers and soldiers and civilians.

These are law enforcement officers.

These are senior citizens looking for paychecks

for Social Security.

Why in the hell are we playing this game?

House and Senate members are still trying to work out

a short-term funding bill, but as of last night

...