WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Days before Christmas, Republicans are scrambling to pass a spending package. "I'm still very optimistic we can get this done," Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) said.  Democrats are warning of shutdown impacts.  "You're playing with people's lives," Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said.  Virginia Sen. Mark Warner says holiday travelers could see delays. TSA employees and air traffic controllers would be working without pay, if they show up.  "Some of them may call in sick. You're going to have a level of chaos at airports that I fear could be unprecedented," Warner said.  It's not just airport employees. In California, which Congressman Scott Peters represents, he said "Coast Guard doesn't get paid. That's about 900 people. The Border Patrol doesn't get paid."  All federal workers considered essential would work without pay until the government reopens. Then they will get backpay.  "A lot of people I represent are on the edge," Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) said.  Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici says she's seen her constituents hurt by past shutdowns.  "TSA agents who had to sell plasma to make their bills. Coast Guard workers who are protecting our coast, I represent a lot of our beautiful Oregon Coast," Bonamici said. "They were working without pay." National parks would also likely close. "If you're that small business or restaurant that's outside the national park, or outside Shenandoah drive, you don't get repaid," Warner said.  While the Post Office will not directly be affected because it's funded independently, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine warns of ripple effects for mail delivered by air.  "As we all know, Christmas time is one of the most important times to try to have deliveries done," Kaine said.  Congress has until Friday night to pass a funding bill.