Washington (CNN) Special counsel Robert Mueller's office would still be able to continue working if the federal government shuts down next week as a result of lawmakers' inability to produce a spending package before funding expires for several government agencies.

Mueller's office is "funded from a permanent indefinite appropriation and would be unaffected in the event of a shutdown," a Justice Department spokesperson told CNN Wednesday. "The appropriation bills before Congress do not touch the (special counsel's office)."

Should no deal be reached by December 7, funding for several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, will expire.