WASHINGTON — Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government. Here’s what to know about the shutdown that began Wednesday:WHAT HAPPENS IN A SHUTDOWN? AdvertisementRelated Why this federal shutdown could be different for MaineWILL FURLOUGHED WORKERS STILL GET PAID? In a provocative move, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget has threatened the mass firing of federal workers in a shutdown. That would be a much more aggressive step than in previous shutdowns, when furloughed federal workers returned to their jobs once the shutdown was over.