The U.S. government has shut down after Congress failed to approve funding. Non-essential services are on hold, thousands of federal workers are left unpaid, and both parties blame each other for the deadlock.
What is a government shutdown?
U.S. Congress is responsible for approving funding for 438 government agencies before 1 October, the start of the new budget year.
When the deadline to agree on the new budget plan is missed, lawmakers often pass short-term bills to keep the government open while continuing work on a full budget.
Democrats and Republicans frequently disagree on how the money should be spent, and talks often go down to the last minute. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, the government shuts down.
What happens now?
If no deal is reached, non-essential government work comes to a halt. Republicans blame the Democrats for blocking a “fair” bill, while Democrats say they were left out of talks and criticise the bill for excluding key healthcare programmes.
These political disputes have intensified under President Donald Trump, who has cut government agencies, reduced staff, and withheld funds approved by Congress.
Who is affected?
The consequences of a complete shutdown affects the entire country. Non-essential federal operations are suspended, and while essential workers remain on the job, they won’t receive pay.
Thousands more, including those in science, administration, and support roles, are on unpaid leave.
This week, more than 150,000 federal workers are also set to leave after accepting a buyout, the largest exit in 80 years.
Key services such as food aid, preschool programmes, student loan processing, food inspections, and national parks are now on hold. Airlines have warned of possible delays due to reduced staffing.
Republicans and Democrats trade blame
Democrats criticise Republicans for not including additional healthcare subsidies in the spending bill, while President Trump blamed the Democrats, warning that the shutdown could lead to what he described as “irreversible” actions.
Though he didn’t elaborate, Trump has recently discussed downsizing the federal workforce, a move that could materialize as the shutdown continues.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,450, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Ano...
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt strikes against each other, in a potential breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions. The two sid...
Fourteen people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, according to Saudi state media....
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as the continent faces extreme heat, World Health Organization Director-G...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news...
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt strikes against each other, in a potential breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions. The two sides are expected to meet in Doha on Tuesday to address their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lebanon says Israeli air strikes and ground operations have damaged or destroyed historic landmarks across the country's south, raising fears that parts of its cultural heritage have been lost forever.
The World Cup knockout stage is finally ready to begin after 72 group matches trimmed the expanded 48-team field down to 32.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C over the weekend.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,450, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the country earlier this week, causing widespread damage and leaving communities in urgent need of assistance.
Eleven people were killed when a small plane carrying skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, local officials said.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment