US Government Shuts Down After Congress Fails to Agree on Funding

Much of the federal United States (US) government has shut down after Senate Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on funding bills to keep it open.

Republicans blocked a bill from Democrats that would have funded the government through October and extended federal healthcare subsidies. Democrats refused to support a short-term funding bill from Republicans that would have kept the government open until November 21. Both bills needed 60 votes to pass but fell short.

After the failed votes, Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, told federal agencies to start shutting down in an orderly way.

It is not clear how long the shutdown will last or how many services will be affected. Important programs like Social Security, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue, but there may be delays. Many government workers classified as nonessential will be furloughed and will not get paid during the shutdown.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates about 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day.

President Donald Trump also warned that he might fire many federal workers and cut programs if the shutdown continues.