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Government shutdown in the United States: First federal halt in seven years
For the first time in seven years, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown after lawmakers in Congress failed to reach an agreement on extending funding. The political impasse between Democrats and Republicans led to the suspension of non-essential government services shortly after midnight in Washington.
The standoff began when the Senate rejected two competing proposals. The Republican-backed plan, previously approved in the House of Representatives, was blocked by Democrats, who demanded additional funding for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. A separate Democratic proposal, which sought to extend government funding while preserving certain healthcare subsidies set to expire later this year, also failed to secure enough votes.
Following these defeats, the Senate adjourned without a deal, making the shutdown unavoidable. The White House Office of Management and Budget quickly notified federal agencies to implement contingency measures and suspend operations not deemed essential.
This budget crisis has once again highlighted the deep partisan divisions in Washington, raising concerns about the duration of the shutdown and its potential impact on public services and the economy.
