Odds are increasing that there could be a short-term shut down of federal agencies coming on March 5. This is due to a growing stalemate between Republicans and Democrats on resolving differences in FY 2011 spending. The current, temporary 2011 spending bill expires on March 4th.

The House passed a bill early Saturday morning that would reduce FY 2011 spending by $61 billion.  Senate Democrats opposed cutting that deeply, and the President has threatened to veto the bill.  The sides are so far apart that many people are beginning to speculate that negotiations will drag out, resulting in a (likely short-term) government shutdown.

Politico reports that a “high-ranking aide to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told Democratic chiefs of staff that a government shutdown is more likely than not, according to attendees. ” Pelosi has introduced a bill extending funding at current levels through March 31; however Republicans have stated that such a bill would have to include funding cuts.

Congress resumes legislative activity on February 28th.