But, Dems hate AmericansWhite House declares imminent government shutdown after Senate fails to pass funding bill The White House has officially declared an imminent government shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a GOP-backed spending bill to keep federal agencies funded through Nov. 21. 5371 in the Senate due to Democrats’ insane policy demands, which include $1 trillion in new spending,” the memo said. “But it is now clear that Democrats will prevent passage of this clean CR prior to 11:59 p.m. tonight and force a government shutdown. As such, affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown,” the memo said. But if it stands, a shutdown usually dismissed as partisan brinkmanship rather than financial disruption could deliver lasting economic consequences.