The United States government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after lawmakers failed to pass a last-minute funding bill.
At midnight on Tuesday, the deadlock between Democrats and Republicans triggered an automatic halt to government operations.
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers classified as “non-essential” now face furloughs or layoffs.
Essential services such as social security and postal deliveries will continue, but agencies warn of staff shortages.
Meanwhile, national parks, museums, and other public institutions could close entirely, leaving citizens frustrated and stranded.
The shutdown comes as an unexpected turn in Washington, with both parties locked in a bitter fight over healthcare spending.
The standoff began after Democrats and Republicans refused to compromise on funding priorities.
A Democrat-led proposal fell short in the Senate, losing 53 to 47.
The Republican version received 55 votes in favor, still five votes shy of the 60 needed to avert the shutdown.
Unlike regular legislation, passing a funding bill requires more than a simple majority.
This gridlock pushed the White House budget office to confirm the shutdown late Tuesday.
It ordered agencies to “execute their plans” and blamed Democrats for what it described as an “untenable” position.
At the heart of the clash is Medicaid, the government’s health insurance program.
Democrats are demanding a reversal of earlier cuts, arguing the reductions have deepened the healthcare crisis.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Republican bill, saying, “It does absolutely nothing to solve the biggest health care crisis in America.”
Republicans, however, insist Democrats are using federal employees as bargaining chips.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Democrats were holding workers “hostage” over healthcare demands.
President Donald Trump has been vocal about the consequences of a shutdown.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said, “The last thing we want to do is shut it down, but a lot of good can come down from shutdowns.”
He argued that closures could eliminate programs “we didn’t want, and they’d be Democrat things.”
Trump also threatened mass firings of federal staff and reductions in benefits tied to Democratic priorities.
On Monday, Trump met with Schumer, but the discussion failed to resolve what the Democrat described as “large differences.”
The president added, “We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them. We’ll be laying off a lot of people.”
This shutdown, the first since the Obama administration years ago, highlights just how deep political divisions have grown in the United States.
Omo…. Every county is going through it this period. This is serious