US government shutdown begins as partisan division rules Washington

"The shutdown commenced hours after the Senate rejected a short-term spending measure that would have kept government operations afloat through November 21. Democrats opposed the legislation over Republicans' refusal to attach an extension of health benefits for millions of Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say the issue must be addressed separately. At issue on the government funding front is $1.7 trillion for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of the government's total $7 trillion budget."

"Trump, whose campaign to radically reshape the federal government is already on track to push out some 300,000 workers by December, warned congressional Democrats that a shutdown could clear the path for "irreversible" actions including cutting more jobs and programs. The shutdown commenced hours after the Senate rejected a short-term spending measure that would have kept government operations afloat through November 21."

A U.S. government shutdown began after the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill, with Democrats opposing the measure over Republicans' refusal to extend expiring health benefits. Agencies warned the 15th shutdown since 1981 would stop a key September employment report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from US troops and cause 750,000 federal workers to be furloughed at an estimated $400m daily cost. Funding disputes center on $1.7 trillion for agency operations, roughly one-quarter of a $7 trillion budget. Officials and analysts warned of potential longer closures, permanent layoffs and market disruptions.

Read at Irish Independent