The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown at the start of Wednesday (Oct. 1, local time) as partisan divisions prevented Congress from passing a funding bill, which marks the first government shutdown in nearly seven years.
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be forced to take unpaid leave, with some public services potentially suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data possibly impacted as well.
The shutdown commenced hours after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill that would have temporarily kept the government running. The continuing resolution proposed by Senate Republicans was blocked by Democrats, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage.
In the latest negotiations, healthcare benefits have been one of the core sticking points between the two parties. Democrats are demanding stronger healthcare-related benefits, including an extension of the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act set to expire at the end of the year, as well as restoring the act's coverage eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Republicans, on the other hand, opposed these measures and have been pushing to temporarily maintain current government funding levels to allow more time for negotiations.
Earlier on Tuesday, Republicans and Democrats continued to trade blame, accusing each other of forcing the government into a "shutdown."
(Source: Xinhua)
Related News:
Shooting and arson at US Mormon church leaves 5 dead, 8 injured: Shooter identified as veteran
Comment