With the United States undergoing its first government shutdown in nearly seven years, President Donald Trump has threatened that he would use this as an opportunity to lay off Democrats. The shutdown comes as Senate Democrats late Tuesday (Sep 30) rejected a Republican stopgap funding bill, demanding concessions on healthcare. With funding set to expire at midnight Wednesday, the White House’s budget office has ordered federal agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hours-away-from-first-government-shutdown-in-6-years-as-talks-collapse-republicans-and-democrats-trade-blame-1759282651686">US hours away from first government shutdown in 6 years as talks collapse; Republicans and Democrats trade blame</a><h2>Trump to strip away "Democrat things" under the guise of a shutdown?</h2>President Donald Trump, who had earlier predicted the deadlock, blamed Democrats and warned that the stoppage would be used to slash public sector jobs and strip away “Democrat things.”“So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re Democrats, they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said at a White House event earlier. He added that “a lot of good can come from shutdowns” and suggested that his administration would use it to “get rid of a lot of things we didn’t want, and they’d be Democrat things”.The shutdown threatens hundreds of thousands of federal employees with furloughs and could disrupt key government services. It follows earlier mass layoffs under Elon Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which slashed federal payrolls this year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-how-is-he-posting-this-trump-boasts-of-24kt-gold-in-white-house-hours-after-deadly-church-shooting-1759122910225">'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting</a><h2>Republican bill to keep funding the government fails</h2>Senate Republicans, who control the chamber but fell short of the 60 votes needed, accused Democrats of staging a showdown for political gain. Democrats countered that Republicans refused to negotiate over skyrocketing healthcare costs.In a memo released after the damning vote, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget directed the affected agencies to “execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.”If no breakthrough comes, the government will begin shutting down at midnight — with both parties racing to assign blame. &nbsp;

The US is in its first shutdown in nearly 7 years as Democrats block a GOP funding bill. Trump warned he’ll use the crisis to cut “Democrat things,” while agencies prepare for an “orderly shutdown.” Midnight is the deadline — and blame is flying on both sides. All you need to know.

With the United States undergoing its first government shutdown in nearly seven years, President Donald Trump has threatened that he would use this as an opportunity to lay off Democrats. The shutdown comes as Senate Democrats late Tuesday (Sep 30) rejected a Republican stopgap funding bill, demanding concessions on healthcare. With funding set to expire at midnight Wednesday, the White House’s budget office has ordered federal agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown.” Also read | US hours away from first government shutdown in 6 years as talks collapse; Republicans and Democrats trade blame Trump to strip away "Democrat things" under the guise of a shutdown? President Donald Trump, who had earlier predicted the deadlock, blamed Democrats and warned that the stoppage would be used to slash public sector jobs and strip away “Democrat things.” “So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re Democrats, they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said at a White House event earlier. He added that “a lot of good can come from shutdowns” and suggested that his administration would use it to “get rid of a lot of things we didn’t want, and they’d be Democrat things”. The shutdown threatens hundreds of thousands of federal employees with furloughs and could disrupt key government services. It follows earlier mass layoffs under Elon Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which slashed federal payrolls this year. Also read | 'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting Republican bill to keep funding the government fails Senate Republicans, who control the chamber but fell short of the 60 votes needed, accused Democrats of staging a showdown for political gain. Democrats countered that Republicans refused to negotiate over skyrocketing healthcare costs. In a memo released after the damning vote, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget directed the affected agencies to “execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” If no breakthrough comes, the government will begin shutting down at midnight — with both parties racing to assign blame.

The US is in its first shutdown in nearly 7 years as Democrats block a GOP funding bill. Trump warned he’ll use the crisis to cut “Democrat things,” while agencies prepare for an “orderly shutdown.” Midnight is the deadline — and blame is flying on both sides. All you need to know.

'Lot of good can come from shutdowns': Trump threatens Democrats with layoffs

The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-how-is-he-posting-this-trump-boasts-of-24kt-gold-in-white-house-hours-after-deadly-church-shooting-1759122910225">'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting</a><h2>Republicans, Democrats trade blame</h2>Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president".Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-the-peacemaker-10-takeaways-from-his-gaza-peace-plan-that-has-netanyahu-s-backing-1759195574203">Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing</a><h2>History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns</h2>With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term.A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19. &nbsp;

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

The United States on Tuesday (Sep 30) is hours from its first government shutdown in six years, with funding set to expire at midnight after a dramatic collapse of negotiations in Congress. Despite last-ditch talks, the Senate failed to advance a temporary funding bill, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers bracing for furloughs and key services at risk of disruption. President Donald Trump, who earlier predicted, “we’ll probably have a shutdown,” blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of bowing to “far-left maniacs” and warning he would target progressive programs if the stoppage dragged on. Meanwhile, Democrats pointed fingers at Republicans, saying "they are plunging Americans into a shutdown". Also read | 'HOW is he posting THIS': Trump boasts of 24kt gold in White House hours after deadly church shooting Republicans, Democrats trade blame Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, at a press conference after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, accused Democrats of staging a political showdown. “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill,” Thune said, claiming that this was done to engage in a "showdown" with Trump. "Far-left interest groups and far-left Democratic members wanted a showdown with the president". Democrats, however, pointed the finger back at the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had “plunged Americans into a shutdown” by refusing to negotiate over rising healthcare costs, warning that Affordable Care Act enrollees would face soaring premiums next year. Also read | Trump the ‘peacemaker’? 10 takeaways from his Gaza peace plan that has Netanyahu's backing History repeats itself: Trump presidencies and US shutdowns With Republicans controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a funding bill, Democrats are trying to flex rare leverage just eight months into Trump’s second term. A shutdown would shutter nonessential government operations, delay pay cheques for federal workers, and disrupt social safety net benefits — a scenario deeply unpopular with voters. The longest shutdown on record, as per AFP, was also under Trump — his first term — and lasted 35 days in 2018-19.

The US is hours from its first government shutdown in six years as Congress fails to pass a funding bill. Trump blames Democrats for bowing to “far-left maniacs,” while Democrats accuse Republicans of plunging America into crisis. All you need to know.

US hours away from first government shutdown in nearly 7 years as talks collapse; Republicans and Democrats trade blame

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (September 30) that there would probably be a US government shutdown. He blamed Democrats for the delayed talks with Republicans on a funding deal. "We'll probably have a shutdown. Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it's probably likely," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office just hours before a midnight deadline for a deal.<h2>What happens when the US government shuts down?</h2>Federal agencies have started preparing for a shutdown, but many Americans are asking what it actually means in practice. Here’s a breakdown.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-ll-give-it-to-trump-says-no-nobel-prize-would-be-an-insult-to-america-1759248390484">'They’ll give it to...': Trump says no Nobel Prize would be ‘an insult to America’</a><h2>How does a shutdown affect the military?</h2>Most military operations and veterans’ benefits will continue, but pay for troops and civilian staff will be delayed until funding is restored. Active-duty personnel will keep serving, though no new orders will be issued except in emergencies. Some National Guard members could also see their orders cancelled.The Department of Veterans Affairs said 97% of its employees will still report to work, but regional offices will close. Some services, like cemetery maintenance and placing permanent headstones, will stop. Hotlines, emails and press responses will also be affected.<h2>What happens to air travel?</h2>Flights will continue because air traffic controllers and safety staff are considered essential. But they will work without pay until funding resumes. The Department of Transportation will pause new hiring, field training, and safety inspections. Aviation groups have warned this could create backlogs and delays even after the shutdown ends.<h2>Do Social Security payments stop?</h2>No. Social Security benefits will continue because they are legally protected. However, with a smaller workforce, processing new applications could take longer.<h2>What about health and medical agencies?</h2>The Department of Health and Human Services said around 32,000 of its staff could be furloughed. The CDC will keep monitoring outbreaks but with reduced support for states. Guidance on issues like opioid prevention or diabetes may stop. The National Institutes of Health will not admit new research patients unless it is an emergency. Research grants and contracts will also freeze.<h2>How is the Food and Drug Administration impacted?</h2>The FDA will continue urgent work such as foodborne illness response, drug recalls and import screening. But reviews of new medicines and medical devices will pause. Long-term food safety initiatives will also be halted.<h2>Can students still get loans?</h2>Yes. Federal loans and Pell Grants will still be disbursed to students. But about 95% of Education Department staff will be furloughed, and new grant-making will stop.<h2>What happens to nutrition programmes?</h2>Food stamp benefits under SNAP should continue for at least one month. But if the shutdown drags on, funding could run out. The WIC programme for women and children could also face cuts.<h2>Will national parks remain open?</h2>The National Park Service has not released updated guidance, but past shutdowns show parks often close or operate with limited services. Visitors may find open spaces accessible but with fewer staff, no maintenance, and little communication on safety or conditions.

US President Trump warns of a likely government shutdown, citing stalled Democrat-Republican talks; essential services continue, while federal agencies, research, travel, parks, and administrative operations face disruptions.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (September 30) that there would probably be a US government shutdown. He blamed Democrats for the delayed talks with Republicans on a funding deal. "We'll probably have a shutdown. Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it's probably likely," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office just hours before a midnight deadline for a deal. What happens when the US government shuts down? Federal agencies have started preparing for a shutdown, but many Americans are asking what it actually means in practice. Here’s a breakdown. Also read: 'They’ll give it to...': Trump says no Nobel Prize would be ‘an insult to America’ How does a shutdown affect the military? Most military operations and veterans’ benefits will continue, but pay for troops and civilian staff will be delayed until funding is restored. Active-duty personnel will keep serving, though no new orders will be issued except in emergencies. Some National Guard members could also see their orders cancelled. The Department of Veterans Affairs said 97% of its employees will still report to work, but regional offices will close. Some services, like cemetery maintenance and placing permanent headstones, will stop. Hotlines, emails and press responses will also be affected. What happens to air travel? Flights will continue because air traffic controllers and safety staff are considered essential. But they will work without pay until funding resumes. The Department of Transportation will pause new hiring, field training, and safety inspections. Aviation groups have warned this could create backlogs and delays even after the shutdown ends. Do Social Security payments stop? No. Social Security benefits will continue because they are legally protected. However, with a smaller workforce, processing new applications could take longer. What about health and medical agencies? The Department of Health and Human Services said around 32,000 of its staff could be furloughed. The CDC will keep monitoring outbreaks but with reduced support for states. Guidance on issues like opioid prevention or diabetes may stop. The National Institutes of Health will not admit new research patients unless it is an emergency. Research grants and contracts will also freeze. How is the Food and Drug Administration impacted? The FDA will continue urgent work such as foodborne illness response, drug recalls and import screening. But reviews of new medicines and medical devices will pause. Long-term food safety initiatives will also be halted. Can students still get loans? Yes. Federal loans and Pell Grants will still be disbursed to students. But about 95% of Education Department staff will be furloughed, and new grant-making will stop. What happens to nutrition programmes? Food stamp benefits under SNAP should continue for at least one month. But if the shutdown drags on, funding could run out. The WIC programme for women and children could also face cuts. Will national parks remain open? The National Park Service has not released updated guidance, but past shutdowns show parks often close or operate with limited services. Visitors may find open spaces accessible but with fewer staff, no maintenance, and little communication on safety or conditions.

US President Trump warns of a likely government shutdown, citing stalled Democrat-Republican talks; essential services continue, while federal agencies, research, travel, parks, and administrative operations face disruptions.

Trump says US will 'probably have a shutdown': What does it mean and what really happens when the US government shuts down?

A coalition of federal unions has urged Democratic leadership to fight against budget cuts to “critical public services,” even if it leads to a government shutdown and mass layoffs. In a letter to Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Federal Unionists Network and 35 local, council and national unions urged the Democrats to reject any proposal that cuts health care, social security, veterans’ affairs and scientific agencies. “We are directly impacted when the government shuts down: our members would no longer be able to work, get paid, or fulfill their mission of serving the American public,” the letter states. “But we believe the most important thing is fighting against the centralisation of executive power and for the long-term survival of the critical services the federal government provides, even if that means allowing the government to temporarily shut down.”&nbsp;Congress has only two more days to pass budget, and Republicans are aiming to pass a short-term plan, but Democrats say the proposal does not address concerns around health care adequately. Congressional leaders are scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump later on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-government-lists-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-as-a-terrorist-entity-1759151566717">Canadian government lists Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a ‘terrorist entity’</a><h2>Thousands laid off under DOGE this year</h2>&nbsp;The unions’ letter comes after the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans for mass firings during a possible shutdown. Thousands of federal employees were laid off this year under the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Many Democrats believe the White House is bluffing about its latest threats of layoffs.“What is new is using a shutdown as a threat to pressure Congress to pass a budget that impacts our most vulnerable, including seniors, rural communities, hungry children and cuts out access to healthcare for millions of Americans,” said Alissa Tafti, co-executive director of the Federal Unionist Network.A shutdown would mean federal workers don’t receive a paycheck for the duration of the closure, though they remain employed.&nbsp;WATCH: Trump Schools India On Russian Oil, But Silent On Europe Quietly Funding Russia<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-schools-india-on-russian-oil-but-silent-on-europe-quietly-funding-russia-1759167357427/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-schools-india-on-russian-oil-but-silent-on-europe-quietly-funding-russia-1759167357427/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Enough is enough, workers willing to go without a paycheck if…’</h2>&nbsp;The unions’ letter states that workers are willing to go without a paycheck if it means an agreement on funding for public services is reached. “Federal workers and the communities we serve will face severe hardship. But federal workers will willingly forego paychecks in the hope of preserving the programmes we have devoted our lives to administering. In order to save our services today, we need to send a message to this Administration that enough is enough,” they said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-sahyog-not-instrument-of-censorship-rules-karnataka-hc-elon-musk-s-x-to-appeal-order-1759148207833">‘Sahyog’ not instrument of censorship, rules Karnataka HC; Elon Musk’s X to appeal order</a>&nbsp;House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated that Democrats would need more than a handshake deal on health care to avert a shutdown. Jeffries told reporters, “No one can trust their word on health care. These people have been trying to repeal and displace people off the Affordable Care Act since 2010—that’s 15 years.”

The unions’ letter comes after the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans for mass firings during a possible shutdown. Thousands of employees were laid off under DOGE. Many Democrats believe the White House is bluffing about its latest threats of layoffs.

A coalition of federal unions has urged Democratic leadership to fight against budget cuts to “critical public services,” even if it leads to a government shutdown and mass layoffs. In a letter to Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Federal Unionists Network and 35 local, council and national unions urged the Democrats to reject any proposal that cuts health care, social security, veterans’ affairs and scientific agencies. “We are directly impacted when the government shuts down: our members would no longer be able to work, get paid, or fulfill their mission of serving the American public,” the letter states. “But we believe the most important thing is fighting against the centralisation of executive power and for the long-term survival of the critical services the federal government provides, even if that means allowing the government to temporarily shut down.” Congress has only two more days to pass budget, and Republicans are aiming to pass a short-term plan, but Democrats say the proposal does not address concerns around health care adequately. Congressional leaders are scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump later on Monday. Also Read: Canadian government lists Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a ‘terrorist entity’ Thousands laid off under DOGE this year The unions’ letter comes after the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans for mass firings during a possible shutdown. Thousands of federal employees were laid off this year under the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Many Democrats believe the White House is bluffing about its latest threats of layoffs. “What is new is using a shutdown as a threat to pressure Congress to pass a budget that impacts our most vulnerable, including seniors, rural communities, hungry children and cuts out access to healthcare for millions of Americans,” said Alissa Tafti, co-executive director of the Federal Unionist Network. A shutdown would mean federal workers don’t receive a paycheck for the duration of the closure, though they remain employed. WATCH: Trump Schools India On Russian Oil, But Silent On Europe Quietly Funding Russia https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-schools-india-on-russian-oil-but-silent-on-europe-quietly-funding-russia-1759167357427/embed ‘Enough is enough, workers willing to go without a paycheck if…’ The unions’ letter states that workers are willing to go without a paycheck if it means an agreement on funding for public services is reached. “Federal workers and the communities we serve will face severe hardship. But federal workers will willingly forego paychecks in the hope of preserving the programmes we have devoted our lives to administering. In order to save our services today, we need to send a message to this Administration that enough is enough,” they said. Also Read: ‘Sahyog’ not instrument of censorship, rules Karnataka HC; Elon Musk’s X to appeal order House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated that Democrats would need more than a handshake deal on health care to avert a shutdown. Jeffries told reporters, “No one can trust their word on health care. These people have been trying to repeal and displace people off the Affordable Care Act since 2010—that’s 15 years.”

The unions’ letter comes after the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans for mass firings during a possible shutdown. Thousands of employees were laid off under DOGE. Many Democrats believe the White House is bluffing about its latest threats of layoffs.

‘Enough is enough’: Fed workers’ unions urge Democrats to fight for critical public services, brace for shutdown pain

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Majority Leader John Thune are digging in their heels as the threat of shutdown looms head of the deadline this week, showing little flexibility even as both sides have agreed to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Republican leaders of Congress blamed Democrats for an impasse ahead of a looming deadline to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown and urged them to agree to a short-term bill to buy some time.Without the passage of funding legislation, some parts of the government would close on Wednesday, the first day of the US government’s 2026 fiscal year. &nbsp;Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but a temporary measure to avert a shutdown would need at least 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate, meaning some Democratic votes would be needed. Senate Democrats have rejected a short-term bill, demanding that any legislation undo recent Republican cuts to healthcare programmes.&nbsp;Republicans said Democrats need to help them pass a simple extension of government funding by Tuesday night to avoid a shutdown but Democrats say they want immediate talks on health care, and they are willing to shut down the government if they don’t get concessions.&nbsp;WATCH: USA: Donald Trump steps in to attend meeting of top US military leaders<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-donald-trump-steps-in-to-attend-meeting-of-top-us-military-leaders-1759080161373/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-donald-trump-steps-in-to-attend-meeting-of-top-us-military-leaders-1759080161373/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;President Donald Trump will meet Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune at the White House on Monday as the clock ticks with a shutdown in sight.&nbsp;Trump had abruptly cancelled a meeting with Democratic leaders on Thursday and called Democratic demands “unserious and ridiculous”. Since then, Jeffries and Schumer have been trading public barbs with Trump over the looming shutdown and their demands to attach health care policies to the temporary funding bill.“God forbid the Republicans shut the government down. The American people will know it’s on their back,” Schumer said.“We’re hearing from the American people that they need help on health care,” Schumer said. “And as for these massive layoffs, guess what? Simple, one-sentence answer: they’re doing it anyway.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/row-intensifies-shama-junejo-claims-pm-shehbaz-included-her-in-pakistan-s-un-delegation-1759070860042">Row intensifies as Shama Junejo claims PM Shehbaz included her in Pakistan’s UN delegation</a>&nbsp;Schumer said Democrats need “a serious negotiation” at the White House meeting with Trump.“Now if the President at this meeting is going to rant and just yell at Democrats and talk about all his alleged grievances and say this, that and the other thing, we won’t get anything done. But my hope is it will be a serious negotiation,” Schumer said.&nbsp;The White House has raised the possibility of mass firings across the federal government if there is a shutdown. Trump’s White House told agencies to prepare large-scale layoffs of federal workers if the government shuts down.

Trump had abruptly cancelled a meeting with Democratic leaders on Thursday and called their demands “unserious and ridiculous”. Since then, Jeffries and Schumer have been trading barbs with Trump over the shutdown and their demand to attach health care policies to the temporary funding bill.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Majority Leader John Thune are digging in their heels as the threat of shutdown looms head of the deadline this week, showing little flexibility even as both sides have agreed to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Republican leaders of Congress blamed Democrats for an impasse ahead of a looming deadline to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown and urged them to agree to a short-term bill to buy some time. Without the passage of funding legislation, some parts of the government would close on Wednesday, the first day of the US government’s 2026 fiscal year. Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but a temporary measure to avert a shutdown would need at least 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate, meaning some Democratic votes would be needed. Senate Democrats have rejected a short-term bill, demanding that any legislation undo recent Republican cuts to healthcare programmes. Republicans said Democrats need to help them pass a simple extension of government funding by Tuesday night to avoid a shutdown but Democrats say they want immediate talks on health care, and they are willing to shut down the government if they don’t get concessions. WATCH: USA: Donald Trump steps in to attend meeting of top US military leaders https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-donald-trump-steps-in-to-attend-meeting-of-top-us-military-leaders-1759080161373/embed President Donald Trump will meet Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune at the White House on Monday as the clock ticks with a shutdown in sight. Trump had abruptly cancelled a meeting with Democratic leaders on Thursday and called Democratic demands “unserious and ridiculous”. Since then, Jeffries and Schumer have been trading public barbs with Trump over the looming shutdown and their demands to attach health care policies to the temporary funding bill. “God forbid the Republicans shut the government down. The American people will know it’s on their back,” Schumer said. “We’re hearing from the American people that they need help on health care,” Schumer said. “And as for these massive layoffs, guess what? Simple, one-sentence answer: they’re doing it anyway.” Also Read: Row intensifies as Shama Junejo claims PM Shehbaz included her in Pakistan’s UN delegation Schumer said Democrats need “a serious negotiation” at the White House meeting with Trump. “Now if the President at this meeting is going to rant and just yell at Democrats and talk about all his alleged grievances and say this, that and the other thing, we won’t get anything done. But my hope is it will be a serious negotiation,” Schumer said. The White House has raised the possibility of mass firings across the federal government if there is a shutdown. Trump’s White House told agencies to prepare large-scale layoffs of federal workers if the government shuts down.

Trump had abruptly cancelled a meeting with Democratic leaders on Thursday and called their demands “unserious and ridiculous”. Since then, Jeffries and Schumer have been trading barbs with Trump over the shutdown and their demand to attach health care policies to the temporary funding bill.

Shutdown looms as Republicans slam Democrats ahead of crucial White House meeting with Trump

The White House has issued a stark warning to federal agencies, urging them to prepare for widespread layoffs if Congress fails to secure a funding agreement before next Wednesday (September October 1). A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), released on Wednesday (September 24), instructed agencies whose funding runs out on October 1 — and which lack alternative funding sources or don’t align with the President’s priorities — to begin considering reduction-in-force notices for their employees.&nbsp;This directive intensifies pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal and prevent a government shutdown, as it threatens the jobs of thousands of federal workers. During previous shutdowns, federal employees were typically placed on temporary furlough until a resolution was reached. The most recent full shutdown, in 2013, saw approximately 850,000 workers furloughed, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/starbucks-is-changing-more-than-just-its-menu-here-s-what-s-coming-next-for-coffee-giant-1758803524637">Layoffs &amp; store closure: Starbucks is changing more than just its menu—Here’s what’s coming next for coffee giant</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Democrats are about to shutdown the government because they demand we fund healthcare for illegal aliens.&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1971202169870438560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Commenting on the matter, US Vice-President JD Vance took it to X and wrote, “Democrats are about to shutdown the government because they demand we fund healthcare for illegal aliens.” Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the memo, calling it a "political intimidation tactic" that serves to scare federal workers. He argued that Trump's focus on firing government employees is less about governance and more about instilling fear. Schumer also pointed out that similar attempts at firings had been reversed in the past.&nbsp;The looming threat of mass layoffs only escalates the ongoing budget conflict between the White House and congressional Democrats. While Democrats have called for an extension of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act coverage, Republicans have refused to make any concessions, leaving the fate of government funding hanging in the balance.

Trump's administration reacts to Democrats-GOP tussle as government shut down looms

The White House has issued a stark warning to federal agencies, urging them to prepare for widespread layoffs if Congress fails to secure a funding agreement before next Wednesday (September October 1). A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), released on Wednesday (September 24), instructed agencies whose funding runs out on October 1 — and which lack alternative funding sources or don’t align with the President’s priorities — to begin considering reduction-in-force notices for their employees. This directive intensifies pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal and prevent a government shutdown, as it threatens the jobs of thousands of federal workers. During previous shutdowns, federal employees were typically placed on temporary furlough until a resolution was reached. The most recent full shutdown, in 2013, saw approximately 850,000 workers furloughed, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Also Read: Layoffs & store closure: Starbucks is changing more than just its menu—Here’s what’s coming next for coffee giant

The Trump administration is preparing federal agencies for mass layoffs if a government shutdown happens, targeting non-essential programs in a funding dispute with the Democrats

For the second time in under four months, the US government is on the brink of a shutdown as discussions between Republicans and Democrats continue in Congress.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a temporary spending bill to fund the government until 30 September. The bill has now moved to the Senate, which must approve it before it reaches President Donald Trump&rsquo;s desk. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Friday morning.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-200-tariff-on-european-wines-champagnes-in-retaliation-to-eus-whiskey-levies-8852442">Trump threatens 200% tariff on European wines, champagnes in retaliation to EU's whiskey levies</a>
Here&rsquo;s what you need to know about a possible government shutdown, including when it might happen and how it could impact you.
<h2>When is the government shutdown deadline?</h2>
The current funding expires on Friday night. If a new spending bill is not passed and signed by President Trump before 11:59 pm ET on Friday, a shutdown will begin at 12:01 am ET on Saturday.
<h2>What happens during a government shutdown?</h2>
During a shutdown, essential government functions continue, but nonessential operations are put on hold. For example, the Department of Energy will continue maintaining nuclear reactors, and military and border security functions will remain active.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-likely-to-get-affected-by-trumps-retaliatory-tariffs-amid-trade-war-says-could-harm-ev-companies-8853564">'Should not harm EV companies': Musk's Tesla raises concern as it might get affected by Trump's retaliatory tariffs</a>
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, will remain operational. Prison staff, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard will also continue working.
Federal employees stop receiving pay, with many being temporarily suspended until funding is restored. The extent of the shutdown's impact depends on how long it lasts. A brief shutdown over a weekend may have minimal effects, but a prolonged one could disrupt public services and the economy.
<h2>Why would the government shut down?</h2>
The Republican-led House narrowly passed a spending bill to fund the government through 30 September. However, in the Senate, Republicans need 60 votes to pass the bill but control only 53 seats. This means they require support from some Democrats, and it remains uncertain whether they will secure enough votes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-in-trumps-ukraine-ceasefire-deal-and-why-russian-president-putin-rejected-it-8852846">What&rsquo;s in Trump's Ukraine ceasefire deal and why Russian President Putin rejected it?</a>
<h2>Which services could be affected?</h2>
Federal agencies providing public services may experience delays. Applying for a Social Security card, for instance, could take longer. In previous shutdowns, food safety and environmental inspections were postponed. The US Department of Agriculture&rsquo;s nutrition programmes, which assist millions, would likely operate with minimal staff. Additionally, new loans for small farmers may be put on hold.
<h2>How many federal employees will be affected?</h2>
As many as 900,000 federal workers could be temporarily discharged, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. This number excludes active-duty military personnel and US Postal Service employees.
<h2>Who doesn&rsquo;t get paid during a shutdown?</h2>
Most federal employees, both essential and nonessential, will not receive pay during a shutdown. However, a 2019 law ensures that they receive back pay once the shutdown ends. Private contractors working with federal agencies are not guaranteed back pay.
<h2>Will Social Security and Medicare be affected?</h2>
Retirement and disability benefits will continue to be issued without interruption. However, some delays in processing may occur. Medicare benefits will also proceed as usual.
<h2>Will national parks remain open?</h2>
National parks, monuments, and other sites will close, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down. In previous shutdowns, some states temporarily funded park operations to keep them running.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannot-confirm-this-at-all-russia-shrugs-off-claims-it-sidelined-trumps-ukraine-envoy-from-ceasefire-talks-8853668">'Can't confirm this at&nbsp;all': Russia shrugs off claims about sidelining Trump&rsquo;s Ukraine envoy from&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;talks</a>
<h2>How will transportation be affected?</h2>
Airport security screeners and air traffic controllers will continue working. However, new hires and certain infrastructure projects could face delays. Absenteeism among staff, as seen in past shutdowns, may affect airport operations.
As the Friday deadline approaches, it remains uncertain whether Congress can prevent another government shutdown.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The current funding expires on Friday night. If a new spending bill is not passed and signed by President Trump before 11:59 pm ET on Friday, a shutdown will begin.

For the second time in under four months, the US government is on the brink of a shutdown as discussions between Republicans and Democrats continue in Congress. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a temporary spending bill to fund the government until 30 September. The bill has now moved to the Senate, which must approve it before it reaches President Donald Trump’s desk. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Friday morning. Also read: Trump threatens 200% tariff on European wines, champagnes in retaliation to EU's whiskey levies Here’s what you need to know about a possible government shutdown, including when it might happen and how it could impact you. When is the government shutdown deadline? The current funding expires on Friday night. If a new spending bill is not passed and signed by President Trump before 11:59 pm ET on Friday, a shutdown will begin at 12:01 am ET on Saturday. What happens during a government shutdown? During a shutdown, essential government functions continue, but nonessential operations are put on hold. For example, the Department of Energy will continue maintaining nuclear reactors, and military and border security functions will remain active. Also read: 'Should not harm EV companies': Musk's Tesla raises concern as it might get affected by Trump's retaliatory tariffs Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, will remain operational. Prison staff, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard will also continue working. Federal employees stop receiving pay, with many being temporarily suspended until funding is restored. The extent of the shutdown's impact depends on how long it lasts. A brief shutdown over a weekend may have minimal effects, but a prolonged one could disrupt public services and the economy. Why would the government shut down? The Republican-led House narrowly passed a spending bill to fund the government through 30 September. However, in the Senate, Republicans need 60 votes to pass the bill but control only 53 seats. This means they require support from some Democrats, and it remains uncertain whether they will secure enough votes. Also read: What’s in Trump's Ukraine ceasefire deal and why Russian President Putin rejected it? Which services could be affected? Federal agencies providing public services may experience delays. Applying for a Social Security card, for instance, could take longer. In previous shutdowns, food safety and environmental inspections were postponed. The US Department of Agriculture’s nutrition programmes, which assist millions, would likely operate with minimal staff. Additionally, new loans for small farmers may be put on hold. How many federal employees will be affected? As many as 900,000 federal workers could be temporarily discharged, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. This number excludes active-duty military personnel and US Postal Service employees. Who doesn’t get paid during a shutdown? Most federal employees, both essential and nonessential, will not receive pay during a shutdown. However, a 2019 law ensures that they receive back pay once the shutdown ends. Private contractors working with federal agencies are not guaranteed back pay. Will Social Security and Medicare be affected? Retirement and disability benefits will continue to be issued without interruption. However, some delays in processing may occur. Medicare benefits will also proceed as usual. Will national parks remain open? National parks, monuments, and other sites will close, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down. In previous shutdowns, some states temporarily funded park operations to keep them running. Also read: 'Can't confirm this at all': Russia shrugs off claims about sidelining Trump’s Ukraine envoy from ceasefire talks How will transportation be affected? Airport security screeners and air traffic controllers will continue working. However, new hires and certain infrastructure projects could face delays. Absenteeism among staff, as seen in past shutdowns, may affect airport operations. As the Friday deadline approaches, it remains uncertain whether Congress can prevent another government shutdown. (With inputs from agencies)

US government shutdown looms: What it is, who it affects, and how it could impact millions

Washington, United States
<meta content="uuid75xe2CqeXWSK" name="uuid"/>
US President Joe Biden on Saturday (December 21), signed into law the bill passed by Congress to fund the government through mid-March, the White House said, averting a government shutdown.
Without the bill’s passage, federal funding would have expired at midnight on Friday. Ahead of the vote, the White House Office of Management and Budget had told government agencies to prepare for a potential shutdown.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-stopgap-funding-bill-minus-trumps-debt-ceiling-president-elect-says-let-shutdown-begin-now-785691" target="_blank">US Congress passes stopgap bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now'</a>
The Senate passed the bill with a significant majority of 85-11, shortly after the midnight deadline, at 00:30. Both Democrats and Republicans largely supported the bill, marking the final vote of the 118th US Congress.
Earlier this week, lawmakers had reached an agreement on a budget plan, but it collapsed after former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk urged Republicans to oppose it.
The 118-page legislation passed by the Senate, titled the "American Relief Act, 2025," excludes a debt-limit provision previously demanded by Trump, which had faced resistance from Democrats and some Republicans as well.
The final version also removes other measures proposed by Democrats, including the first pay raise for lawmakers since 2009, funds to rebuild a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, healthcare reforms, and provisions addressing misleading advertising by hotels and live event venues.
However, the bill allocates $100 billion (£78 billion) for disaster relief to support recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters, as well as $10 billion in aid for farmers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amidst-political-chaos-in-canada-feisty-trudeau-perseveres-but-for-how-long-785860" target="_blank">Amidst political chaos in Canada, feisty Trudeau perseveres, but for how long?</a>
Had the shutdown happened, it would have significantly disrupted public services, including national parks, food assistance programmes, and federally funded preschools. It would also have limited support to farmers and individuals recovering from natural disasters.
The US last experienced a government shutdown in 2019 during Trump’s presidency. It lasted 35 days, making it the longest in the nation’s history.
(With inputs from agencies)

Without the bill’s passage, federal funding would have expired at midnight on Friday. Ahead of the vote, the White House Office of Management and Budget had told government agencies to prepare for a potential shutdown.



Washington, United States US President Joe Biden on Saturday (December 21), signed into law the bill passed by Congress to fund the government through mid-March, the White House said, averting a government shutdown. Without the bill’s passage, federal funding would have expired at midnight on Friday. Ahead of the vote, the White House Office of Management and Budget had told government agencies to prepare for a potential shutdown. Also read: US Congress passes stopgap bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' The Senate passed the bill with a significant majority of 85-11, shortly after the midnight deadline, at 00:30. Both Democrats and Republicans largely supported the bill, marking the final vote of the 118th US Congress. Earlier this week, lawmakers had reached an agreement on a budget plan, but it collapsed after former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk urged Republicans to oppose it. The 118-page legislation passed by the Senate, titled the "American Relief Act, 2025," excludes a debt-limit provision previously demanded by Trump, which had faced resistance from Democrats and some Republicans as well. The final version also removes other measures proposed by Democrats, including the first pay raise for lawmakers since 2009, funds to rebuild a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, healthcare reforms, and provisions addressing misleading advertising by hotels and live event venues. However, the bill allocates $100 billion (£78 billion) for disaster relief to support recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters, as well as $10 billion in aid for farmers. Also read: Amidst political chaos in Canada, feisty Trudeau perseveres, but for how long? Had the shutdown happened, it would have significantly disrupted public services, including national parks, food assistance programmes, and federally funded preschools. It would also have limited support to farmers and individuals recovering from natural disasters. The US last experienced a government shutdown in 2019 during Trump’s presidency. It lasted 35 days, making it the longest in the nation’s history. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing US President Biden signs US funding bill to avert government shutdown

US President Joe Biden on Saturday (December 21), signed into law the bill passed by Congress to fund the government through mid-March, the White House said, averting a government shutdown.

US President Joe Biden on Saturday (December 21), signed into law the bill passed by Congress to fund the government through mid-March, the White House said, averting a government shutdown. Without the bill’s passage, federal funding would have expired at midnight on Friday. Ahead of the vote, the White House Office of Management and Budget had told government agencies to prepare for a potential shutdown. Also read: US Congress passes stopgap bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' The Senate passed the bill with a significant majority of 85-11, shortly after the midnight deadline, at 00:30. Both Democrats and Republicans largely supported the bill, marking the final vote of the 118th US Congress. Earlier this week, lawmakers had reached an agreement on a budget plan, but it collapsed after former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk urged Republicans to oppose it. The 118-page legislation passed by the Senate, titled the "American Relief Act, 2025," excludes a debt-limit provision previously demanded by Trump, which had faced resistance from Democrats and some Republicans as well. The final version also removes other measures proposed by Democrats, including the first pay raise for lawmakers since 2009, funds to rebuild a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, healthcare reforms, and provisions addressing misleading advertising by hotels and live event venues. However, the bill allocates $100 billion (£78 billion) for disaster relief to support recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters, as well as $10 billion in aid for farmers. Also read: Amidst political chaos in Canada, feisty Trudeau perseveres, but for how long? Had the shutdown happened, it would have significantly disrupted public services, including national parks, food assistance programmes, and federally funded preschools. It would also have limited support to farmers and individuals recovering from natural disasters. The US last experienced a government shutdown in 2019 during Trump’s presidency. It lasted 35 days, making it the longest in the nation’s history. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington, United States
<meta content="uuidK8U0axt3m8n9" name="uuid"/>
Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration.
“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20).
<h2>House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown</h2>
Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-lawmakers-scramble-to-avert-govt-shutdown-heres-whats-at-stake-785644" target="_blank">US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake</a>
<h2>Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats</h2>
At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions.
On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats.
Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/2012_TRUMP_FULL_8PM_wion-1734711614-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2012_TRUMP_FULL_8PM_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=554&tags=trump,Harris,US election,joe biden,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening.
Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.”
Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.”
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?”
(With inputs from agencies)

“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20).



Washington, United States Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20). House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval. Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions. On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats. Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?” (With inputs from agencies)

'This is his problem,' Trump says let the US govt shutdown happen under Biden admin

New York, United States
The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.
<h2>A look at recent history</h2>
The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts.
<h2>What's at stake?</h2>
A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies.
- Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed.
- Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay.
- Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets.
- Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>
<h2>What's next?</h2>
Lawmakers have several options:
- Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. 
- Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. 
- Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies.
- Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact.
- Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. 
Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637">Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration</a>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/2012_gaza_730pm_wion-1734708314-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2012_gaza_730pm_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=250&tags=israel,Hamas,war" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<h2>The road ahead </h2>
The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. 
As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. 



New York, United States The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. A look at recent history The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts. What's at stake? A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including: - Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies. - Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed. - Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay. - Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets. - Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted. Also read: US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms What's next? Lawmakers have several options: - Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. - Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. - Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies. - Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact. - Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. Watch | Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration The road ahead The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

Explained: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake

Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20). House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval. Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions. On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats. Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?” (With inputs from agencies)

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.

<h2>A look at recent history</h2>

The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts.

<h2>What's at stake?</h2>

A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including:

- Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies.

- Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed.

- Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay.

- Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets.

- Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

<h2>What's next?</h2>

Lawmakers have several options:

- Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels.&nbsp;

- Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies.&nbsp;

- Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies.

- Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact.

- Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637">Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>The road ahead&nbsp;</h2>

The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs.&nbsp;

As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. A look at recent history The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts. What's at stake? A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including: - Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies. - Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed. - Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay. - Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets. - Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted. Also read: US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms What's next? Lawmakers have several options: - Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. - Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. - Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies. - Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact. - Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. Watch | Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration The road ahead The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

Leaders of the United States Congress are seeking support for a $1.2 trillion spending package as lawmakers aim to get it approved before the funding expires at midnight on Friday (Mar 22). The bill would keep the US government funded through September and avert a brief partial government shutdown.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the bill</h2>

In a closed-door meeting, House of Representatives Speaker and Republican Mike Johnson told GOP lawmakers that they have managed to secure a few policy changes, including a prohibition on funding for a United Nations relief programme for Palestinian refugees&nbsp;which extends through March 2025, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Trump's civil fraud case: Donald Trump appeals $454 million in civil fraud case

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“I think the final product is something that we were able to achieve a lot of key provisions in, and wins, and it moved in a direction that we want even with our tiny, historically small majority,” said Johnson.&nbsp;

The bill, according to the House Speaker, would also include funding for additional detention beds for migrants waiting for their immigration proceedings or removal from the country at facilities run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.&nbsp;

Republicans have also secured a six per cent cut to foreign aid programmes and other provisions including a measure that would prevent embassies and other official buildings from flying gay or transgender pride flags.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Democrats have secured their long-sought deal to create 12,000 new special visas for those who had worked for the US in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-flies-americans-out-of-besieged-haitian-capital-amid-fresh-fighting-702468">US flies Americans out of besieged Haitian capital amid fresh fighting</a>

Additionally, Democrats also secured a one-year reauthorisation of PEPFAR, which was a government programme to address HIV globally and funding boosts for federal child care and education programs.

<h2>Debate on the bill continues</h2>

A divided Congress, as of Wednesday (Mar 20) behind the scenes, struggled to produce a massive spending bill which would fund several government agencies, including defence, homeland security, and others.&nbsp;

Johnson and other House Republicans said that they hope to vote on the bill on Friday which would give the Democratic-majority Senate just hours to meet the midnight deadline.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-addresses-us-senate-republicans-days-after-chuck-schumer-called-for-his-removal-as-pm-702449">Netanyahu addresses US Senate Republicans days after Chuck Schumer called for his removal as PM</a>

Democrats, including President Joe Biden and other leaders, have also endorsed the agreement and remained hopeful that it would pass. The US president also pledged to sign it into law.

The House Speaker said that he hoped that the final bill would be unveiled soon, but warned that a vote on its passage would be delayed to give lawmakers time to review it.

“Right now, if Republicans and Democrats continue to work together in good faith to fund the government, I’m hopeful we can avert a shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, at a press conference.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Leaders of the United States Congress are seeking support for a $1.2 trillion spending package as lawmakers aim to get it approved before the funding expires at midnight on Friday (Mar 22).

Leaders of the United States Congress are seeking support for a $1.2 trillion spending package as lawmakers aim to get it approved before the funding expires at midnight on Friday (Mar 22). The bill would keep the US government funded through September and avert a brief partial government shutdown. What we know about the bill In a closed-door meeting, House of Representatives Speaker and Republican Mike Johnson told GOP lawmakers that they have managed to secure a few policy changes, including a prohibition on funding for a United Nations relief programme for Palestinian refugees which extends through March 2025, reported the Associated Press. WATCH | Trump's civil fraud case: Donald Trump appeals $454 million in civil fraud case “I think the final product is something that we were able to achieve a lot of key provisions in, and wins, and it moved in a direction that we want even with our tiny, historically small majority,” said Johnson. The bill, according to the House Speaker, would also include funding for additional detention beds for migrants waiting for their immigration proceedings or removal from the country at facilities run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans have also secured a six per cent cut to foreign aid programmes and other provisions including a measure that would prevent embassies and other official buildings from flying gay or transgender pride flags. Meanwhile, the Democrats have secured their long-sought deal to create 12,000 new special visas for those who had worked for the US in Afghanistan. Also Read | US flies Americans out of besieged Haitian capital amid fresh fighting Additionally, Democrats also secured a one-year reauthorisation of PEPFAR, which was a government programme to address HIV globally and funding boosts for federal child care and education programs. Debate on the bill continues A divided Congress, as of Wednesday (Mar 20) behind the scenes, struggled to produce a massive spending bill which would fund several government agencies, including defence, homeland security, and others. Johnson and other House Republicans said that they hope to vote on the bill on Friday which would give the Democratic-majority Senate just hours to meet the midnight deadline. Also Read | Netanyahu addresses US Senate Republicans days after Chuck Schumer called for his removal as PM Democrats, including President Joe Biden and other leaders, have also endorsed the agreement and remained hopeful that it would pass. The US president also pledged to sign it into law. The House Speaker said that he hoped that the final bill would be unveiled soon, but warned that a vote on its passage would be delayed to give lawmakers time to review it. “Right now, if Republicans and Democrats continue to work together in good faith to fund the government, I’m hopeful we can avert a shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, at a press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

US $1.2 trillion spending proposal includes block on funding for UN Gaza agency

Hours after the&nbsp;US Congress passed the stopgap bill, President Joe Biden&nbsp;signed the bill and&nbsp;averted the government shutdown just before the&nbsp;funding for federal agencies was about to run out, said the White House, in a statement.

"I just signed a law to keep the government open for 47 days. There’s plenty of time to pass Government funding bills for the next fiscal year, and I strongly urge Congress to get to work right away. The American people expect their government to work. Let’s make sure it does," said Biden in a post on X. He also posted a photo of the signing of the bill.

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I just signed a law to keep the government open for 47 days. There’s plenty of time to pass Government funding bills for the next fiscal year, and I strongly urge Congress to get to work right away. 
 
The American people expect their government to work. 
 
Let’s make sure it does. <a href="https://t.co/ffjwUIPWIt">pic.twitter.com/ffjwUIPWIt</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708323029745389928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In the 11th hour, the US Congress passed the government funding bill on Saturday (Sep 30) to ensure that the federal agencies continue running for the next 45 days and averted a costly shutdown. However, the deal did not include aid to war-torn Ukraine, which was requested by President Joe Biden.

With three hours left before midnight Saturday deadline, the Senate voted in favour of a resolution, which had advanced earlier from the House of Representatives to continue government funding through mid-November.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pitched the last-ditch "continuing resolution" as government functions from federal policymaking to military operations to food aid stood on the verge of getting upended and the future of millions of public workers remained uncertain.

<h2>Ukraine aid needs to be passed after shutdown deal: Biden</h2>

Welcoming the deal which averted a government shutdown on Saturday (Sep 30), US President Joe Biden appealed to Congress to swiftly give approval to Ukraine aid which was left out of the agreement.

"Tonight, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans," said Biden, in a statement.

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Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. 
 
This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. <a href="https://t.co/U28kaX11Rq">pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708290185505419283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"We cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted. I fully expect the Speaker will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment," he said while speaking about Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-likely-to-happen-if-us-government-shutdown-on-october-1-639264">Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts down on October 1?</a>

The US lawmakers should now wrangle on a separate bill which will provide Ukraine with military assistance of $24 billion that Biden was appealing in the budget, with voting likely to be held early next week.

The hardline Republicans, who defied their own party leadership and continued pressing for deep spending cuts while rejecting temporary funding proposals, triggered the shutdown crisis.

The group of 21 hardliners had said that they would remove McCarthy as speaker if the House passed a stopgap measure they opposed with the support of Democrats.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade

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One of the group Republicans, Lauren Boebert said, “There are too many members here who are comfortable doing things the way they've been done since the mid-90s. And that's why we're sitting at $33 trillion in debt."

Meanwhile, McCarthy said, "In 45 days we should get our work all done," while offering a hand to the hardliners, and stating, "I welcome those 21 back in."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours after the US Congress passed the stopgap bill, President Joe Biden signed the bill and averted the government shutdown just before the funding for federal agencies was about to run out, said the White House, in a statement.

Hours after the US Congress passed the stopgap bill, President Joe Biden signed the bill and averted the government shutdown just before the funding for federal agencies was about to run out, said the White House, in a statement. "I just signed a law to keep the government open for 47 days. There’s plenty of time to pass Government funding bills for the next fiscal year, and I strongly urge Congress to get to work right away. The American people expect their government to work. Let’s make sure it does," said Biden in a post on X. He also posted a photo of the signing of the bill. I just signed a law to keep the government open for 47 days. There’s plenty of time to pass Government funding bills for the next fiscal year, and I strongly urge Congress to get to work right away. The American people expect their government to work. Let’s make sure it does. pic.twitter.com/ffjwUIPWIt — President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2023 × In the 11th hour, the US Congress passed the government funding bill on Saturday (Sep 30) to ensure that the federal agencies continue running for the next 45 days and averted a costly shutdown. However, the deal did not include aid to war-torn Ukraine, which was requested by President Joe Biden. With three hours left before midnight Saturday deadline, the Senate voted in favour of a resolution, which had advanced earlier from the House of Representatives to continue government funding through mid-November. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pitched the last-ditch "continuing resolution" as government functions from federal policymaking to military operations to food aid stood on the verge of getting upended and the future of millions of public workers remained uncertain. Ukraine aid needs to be passed after shutdown deal: Biden Welcoming the deal which averted a government shutdown on Saturday (Sep 30), US President Joe Biden appealed to Congress to swiftly give approval to Ukraine aid which was left out of the agreement. "Tonight, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans," said Biden, in a statement. Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq — President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2023 × "We cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted. I fully expect the Speaker will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment," he said while speaking about Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy. ALSO READ | Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts down on October 1? The US lawmakers should now wrangle on a separate bill which will provide Ukraine with military assistance of $24 billion that Biden was appealing in the budget, with voting likely to be held early next week. The hardline Republicans, who defied their own party leadership and continued pressing for deep spending cuts while rejecting temporary funding proposals, triggered the shutdown crisis. The group of 21 hardliners had said that they would remove McCarthy as speaker if the House passed a stopgap measure they opposed with the support of Democrats. WATCH | Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade One of the group Republicans, Lauren Boebert said, “There are too many members here who are comfortable doing things the way they've been done since the mid-90s. And that's why we're sitting at $33 trillion in debt." Meanwhile, McCarthy said, "In 45 days we should get our work all done," while offering a hand to the hardliners, and stating, "I welcome those 21 back in." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden signs stopgap funding bill, US government shutdown averted last minute

The United States House of Representatives has passed a temporary bipartisan bill to avert a government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline on Saturday (Sep 30) with overwhelming Democratic support. The bill is now set up for a Senate vote over funding the federal government for another 45 days.

<h2>About the ‘stopgap’ bill</h2>

In a dramatic turn of events at the US Capitol, House Republicans scrambled to pass a temporary bill to keep the government open for 45 more days, hours ahead of the deadline.&nbsp;

Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy backed down from an earlier demand by party hardliners for a partisan bill with only Republican votes, which could threaten his position as the speaker of the House.&nbsp;

The US government continues to run out of time to avoid the federal government’s fourth partial shutdown in a decade, which begins at 0401 GMT unless the Senate also passes the bill and US President Joe Biden signs it into law in time.

The stopgap funding bill which was passed in the House of Representatives, averting a shutdown has now been sent to the Democratic-majority Senate. The House voted 335-91 to fund the government until mid-November with more Democrats supporting the bill than Republicans.&nbsp;

This came after McCarthy earlier on Saturday said that he would propose a 45-day continuing resolution (CR) plan or a stopgap bill which would keep federal agencies open until Congress can agree on a new funding bill.

The bill has been described as a win for the Democrats as 209 Democrats supported the bill, far more than the 126 Republicans. “Extreme MAGA Republicans have lost, the American people have won,” top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries told reporters ahead of the Senate vote.&nbsp;

The bill includes natural disaster relief funding which the White House had requested but not the $6 billion in funding to aid Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>What happens now?</h2>

The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate but it&nbsp;is expected to pass.&nbsp;

A shutdown could have a devastating impact on the US as it would place tens of thousands of federal employees on furlough without pay and would lead to the suspension of various government services, while only those deemed essential for public safety would continue.

The move also marked a profound shift from earlier in the week in which a US government shutdown seemed inevitable.&nbsp;

MaCarthy’s shift has won the support of top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, who previously backed a similar measure moving through the Senate with broad bipartisan support. However, the House version dropped aid for Ukraine.&nbsp;

This debate is likely to repeat in mid-November when the temporary measure expires given the fundamental disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over government spending and policies.&nbsp;

Not to mention the infighting among House Republicans which is said to have brought Congress to a standoff over government spending.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Go ahead and try’</h2>

 
The numerous efforts to pass spending bills have been repeatedly thwarted in recent weeks by a rebel faction of Republican lawmakers who have demanded significant cuts and threatened to vote the House speaker out.

When asked if he was concerned that hardline Republicans could try to oust him as leader, McCarthy dismissed the concerns. “I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” the House speaker told reporters.

He added, “And you know what? If I have to risk my job for standing up for the American public, I will do that.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The United States House of Representatives has passed a temporary bipartisan bill to avert a government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline on Saturday (Sep 30) with overwhelming Democratic support.

The United States House of Representatives has passed a temporary bipartisan bill to avert a government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline on Saturday (Sep 30) with overwhelming Democratic support. The bill is now set up for a Senate vote over funding the federal government for another 45 days. About the ‘stopgap’ bill In a dramatic turn of events at the US Capitol, House Republicans scrambled to pass a temporary bill to keep the government open for 45 more days, hours ahead of the deadline. Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy backed down from an earlier demand by party hardliners for a partisan bill with only Republican votes, which could threaten his position as the speaker of the House. The US government continues to run out of time to avoid the federal government’s fourth partial shutdown in a decade, which begins at 0401 GMT unless the Senate also passes the bill and US President Joe Biden signs it into law in time. The stopgap funding bill which was passed in the House of Representatives, averting a shutdown has now been sent to the Democratic-majority Senate. The House voted 335-91 to fund the government until mid-November with more Democrats supporting the bill than Republicans. This came after McCarthy earlier on Saturday said that he would propose a 45-day continuing resolution (CR) plan or a stopgap bill which would keep federal agencies open until Congress can agree on a new funding bill. The bill has been described as a win for the Democrats as 209 Democrats supported the bill, far more than the 126 Republicans. “Extreme MAGA Republicans have lost, the American people have won,” top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries told reporters ahead of the Senate vote. The bill includes natural disaster relief funding which the White House had requested but not the $6 billion in funding to aid Ukraine. What happens now? The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate but it is expected to pass. A shutdown could have a devastating impact on the US as it would place tens of thousands of federal employees on furlough without pay and would lead to the suspension of various government services, while only those deemed essential for public safety would continue. The move also marked a profound shift from earlier in the week in which a US government shutdown seemed inevitable. MaCarthy’s shift has won the support of top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, who previously backed a similar measure moving through the Senate with broad bipartisan support. However, the House version dropped aid for Ukraine. This debate is likely to repeat in mid-November when the temporary measure expires given the fundamental disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over government spending and policies. Not to mention the infighting among House Republicans which is said to have brought Congress to a standoff over government spending. ‘Go ahead and try’ The numerous efforts to pass spending bills have been repeatedly thwarted in recent weeks by a rebel faction of Republican lawmakers who have demanded significant cuts and threatened to vote the House speaker out. When asked if he was concerned that hardline Republicans could try to oust him as leader, McCarthy dismissed the concerns. “I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” the House speaker told reporters. He added, “And you know what? If I have to risk my job for standing up for the American public, I will do that.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US House of Representatives passes bipartisan bill to avoid govt shutdown, Senate to vote next

President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-sign-shutdown-bill-but-will-also-issue-emergency-declaration-senator-mcconnell-197500">Donald Trump</a> on Friday announced he would declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, a move Democrats vowed to challenge as an unconstitutional attempt to fund his promised border wall without approval from Congress.

"I'm going to be signing a national emergency," Trump said from the Rose Garden of the White House.

"We have an invasion of drugs, invasion of gangs, invasion of people, and it's unacceptable," he said.

The president said he would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-not-happy-with-budget-deal-but-shutdown-unlikely-197021">sign the authorising paperwork</a> later in the day in the Oval Office.

Trump was also expected on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill approved by Congress on Thursday that would prevent another partial federal government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday morning.

The bill, which contains no money for his wall, is a defeat for Trump in Congress, where his demand for $5.7 billion in barrier funding yielded no results, other than a record-long, 35-day December-January partial government shutdown that damaged the US economy and his opinion poll numbers.

Reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency could plunge Trump into a lengthy battle with Democrats - and divide his fellow Republicans.

Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for his wall.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration.

"The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.”

The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal challenge. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump said.

Trump has argued the wall is needed to curb illegal immigrants and illicit drugs streaming across the southern border despite statistics that show illegal immigration there is at a 20-year low and that many drug shipments are likely smuggled through legal ports of entry.

At Friday's White House event, a half-dozen women holding poster-sized pictures of family members killed by illegal immigrants preceded Trump into the Rose Garden. He cited their presence in announcing the emergency declaration.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration had found nearly $7 billion to reallocate to the wall, including $600 million from a Treasury Department forfeiture fund, $2.5 billion from a Defense Department drug interdiction fund and $3.5 billion from a military construction budget.

Trump on Friday estimated the order could free up as much as $8 billion to construct the wall.

The funds would cover just part of the estimated $23 billion cost of the wall promised by Trump along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-km) border with Mexico.

The Senate Democrats' bill also would stop Trump from using appropriated money to acquire lands to build the wall unless specifically authorized by Congress.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced he would declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, a move Democrats vowed to challenge as an unconstitutional attempt to fund his promised border wall without approval from Congress.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced he would declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, a move Democrats vowed to challenge as an unconstitutional attempt to fund his promised border wall without approval from Congress. "I'm going to be signing a national emergency," Trump said from the Rose Garden of the White House. "We have an invasion of drugs, invasion of gangs, invasion of people, and it's unacceptable," he said. The president said he would sign the authorising paperwork later in the day in the Oval Office. Trump was also expected on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill approved by Congress on Thursday that would prevent another partial federal government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday morning. The bill, which contains no money for his wall, is a defeat for Trump in Congress, where his demand for $5.7 billion in barrier funding yielded no results, other than a record-long, 35-day December-January partial government shutdown that damaged the US economy and his opinion poll numbers. Reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency could plunge Trump into a lengthy battle with Democrats - and divide his fellow Republicans. Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for his wall. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration. "The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.” The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal challenge. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump said. Trump has argued the wall is needed to curb illegal immigrants and illicit drugs streaming across the southern border despite statistics that show illegal immigration there is at a 20-year low and that many drug shipments are likely smuggled through legal ports of entry. At Friday's White House event, a half-dozen women holding poster-sized pictures of family members killed by illegal immigrants preceded Trump into the Rose Garden. He cited their presence in announcing the emergency declaration. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration had found nearly $7 billion to reallocate to the wall, including $600 million from a Treasury Department forfeiture fund, $2.5 billion from a Defense Department drug interdiction fund and $3.5 billion from a military construction budget. Trump on Friday estimated the order could free up as much as $8 billion to construct the wall. The funds would cover just part of the estimated $23 billion cost of the wall promised by Trump along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-km) border with Mexico. The Senate Democrats' bill also would stop Trump from using appropriated money to acquire lands to build the wall unless specifically authorized by Congress.

Going to be signing, today, and registering a national emergency: Donald Trump on border wall

US President Trump will sign a spending bill averting a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ready-to-sign-border-deal-averting-shutdown-reports-197220">government shutdown</a> but will also issue an emergency declaration to fund his controversial border wall, the White House and lawmakers said on Thursday.

Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell told colleagues that he spoke by phone with Trump, who "indicated he's prepared to sign the bill. He will also be issuing a national emergency declaration at the same time."

The White House confirmed the plan minutes later.

"He will also take other executive action - including a national emergency - to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Declaring such an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-economist-says-economy-strong-despite-shutdown-195142">emergency, a rare </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-economist-says-economy-strong-despite-shutdown-195142">step</a>, would free Trump to seek to redirect federal funds from elsewhere to help pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Trump saying he will sign the spending bill, expected ahead of a Friday midnight deadline, eases some pressure in Washington after he had openly expressed concern about the deal reached earlier in the week between Republicans and Democrats.

The measure includes only $375 billion for border barriers or fencing, far from the $5.7 billion that Trump has demanded for his long-sought border wall.

Trump's misgivings put the fate of the bill in question. But minutes after McConnell announced Trump's intention, the Senate took up the measure and advanced it overwhelmingly.

A final Senate vote was to follow, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her chamber would vote later Thursday.

Pelosi, Trump's Democratic nemesis, expressed disdain for the president's upcoming emergency declaration, warning that he was doing "an end run around Congress." "It's not an emergency, what's happening at the border," she said.

Trump's declaration is expected to be challenged in court.

The compromise package funds until September 30th. The government operations would lapse if the bill is not signed by Trump by the midnight Friday deadline.

US President Trump will sign a spending bill averting a government shutdown but will also issue an emergency declaration to fund his controversial border wall, the White House and lawmakers said on Thursday.

US President Trump will sign a spending bill averting a government shutdown but will also issue an emergency declaration to fund his controversial border wall, the White House and lawmakers said on Thursday. Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell told colleagues that he spoke by phone with Trump, who "indicated he's prepared to sign the bill. He will also be issuing a national emergency declaration at the same time." The White House confirmed the plan minutes later. "He will also take other executive action - including a national emergency - to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. Declaring such an emergency, a rare step, would free Trump to seek to redirect federal funds from elsewhere to help pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border. Trump saying he will sign the spending bill, expected ahead of a Friday midnight deadline, eases some pressure in Washington after he had openly expressed concern about the deal reached earlier in the week between Republicans and Democrats. The measure includes only $375 billion for border barriers or fencing, far from the $5.7 billion that Trump has demanded for his long-sought border wall. Trump's misgivings put the fate of the bill in question. But minutes after McConnell announced Trump's intention, the Senate took up the measure and advanced it overwhelmingly. A final Senate vote was to follow, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her chamber would vote later Thursday. Pelosi, Trump's Democratic nemesis, expressed disdain for the president's upcoming emergency declaration, warning that he was doing "an end run around Congress." "It's not an emergency, what's happening at the border," she said. Trump's declaration is expected to be challenged in court. The compromise package funds until September 30th. The government operations would lapse if the bill is not signed by Trump by the midnight Friday deadline.

Trump will sign shutdown bill but will also issue emergency declaration: Senator McConnell

The US businesses paid an additional $2.7 billion in tariffs in November 2018, according to data from a coalition of US business groups fighting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clash-over-trump-tariffs-heats-up-with-barrage-of-wto-litigation-172364">President Donald Trump's trade tariffs</a>.

The group, which brands itself "Tariffs Hurt the Heartland" and includes the Americans for Free Trade coalition and Farmers for Free Trade, crunches tariff payment data nationally and by state.

The data is part of a monthly series called the Tariff Tracker, which the group releases in a tie-up with The Trade Partnership, a Washington-based international trade and economic consulting firm. The monthly import data, it said, is calculated using numbers from the US Census Bureau, and the monthly export data is compiled using numbers from the Census Bureau and the US Department of Agriculture.

The November numbers are the latest government ones available due to the recent US government shutdown.

The group's spokesman, former Republican congressman Charles Boustany, said the data shows Americans, not foreign competitors, are the big losers in the trade war.

"US businesses are being hit by a double whammy of historic tax increases in the form of tariffs and declining exports as farmers and manufacturers lose opportunities in the overseas markets they rely on," Boustany said.

The group also said retaliatory tariffs have severely impacted US exports. In November, US exports of products subject to retaliatory tariffs declined by $4.1 billion, or 37 per cent, from the previous year, it said.

Hun Quach, vice president of international trade at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said raising tariffs on thousands of consumer products will cause massive disruption to retailers in an already uncertain environment.

US tariffs on $200 billion worth of imports from China are scheduled to rise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent if the two sides cannot reach a deal by a March 1 deadline. On Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters in Beijing that talks between the two sides were going well.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told Fox News that Trump is weighing different possibilities on how to treat the March 1 deadline to reach a trade deal with China, adding that the final agreement depends on Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in person.

The United States would escalate tariffs on Chinese goods if the deadline is missed, and likely prompt China to retaliate.

The US businesses paid an additional $2.7 billion in tariffs in November 2018, according to data from a coalition of US business groups fighting President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

The US businesses paid an additional $2.7 billion in tariffs in November 2018, according to data from a coalition of US business groups fighting President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. The group, which brands itself "Tariffs Hurt the Heartland" and includes the Americans for Free Trade coalition and Farmers for Free Trade, crunches tariff payment data nationally and by state. The data is part of a monthly series called the Tariff Tracker, which the group releases in a tie-up with The Trade Partnership, a Washington-based international trade and economic consulting firm. The monthly import data, it said, is calculated using numbers from the US Census Bureau, and the monthly export data is compiled using numbers from the Census Bureau and the US Department of Agriculture. The November numbers are the latest government ones available due to the recent US government shutdown. The group's spokesman, former Republican congressman Charles Boustany, said the data shows Americans, not foreign competitors, are the big losers in the trade war. "US businesses are being hit by a double whammy of historic tax increases in the form of tariffs and declining exports as farmers and manufacturers lose opportunities in the overseas markets they rely on," Boustany said. The group also said retaliatory tariffs have severely impacted US exports. In November, US exports of products subject to retaliatory tariffs declined by $4.1 billion, or 37 per cent, from the previous year, it said. Hun Quach, vice president of international trade at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said raising tariffs on thousands of consumer products will cause massive disruption to retailers in an already uncertain environment. US tariffs on $200 billion worth of imports from China are scheduled to rise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent if the two sides cannot reach a deal by a March 1 deadline. On Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters in Beijing that talks between the two sides were going well. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told Fox News that Trump is weighing different possibilities on how to treat the March 1 deadline to reach a trade deal with China, adding that the final agreement depends on Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in person. The United States would escalate tariffs on Chinese goods if the deadline is missed, and likely prompt China to retaliate.

US group says Trump trade tariffs cost businesses $2.7 billion in November

The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-not-happy-with-budget-deal-but-shutdown-unlikely-197021">to avoid a partial shutdown</a> of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would.

"We want to see what the final piece of legislation looks like," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. "It's hard to say definitively whether or not the president is going to sign it until we know everything that's in it."

Congress, which faces a tight deadline to pass legislation to avert another US&nbsp;government shutdown, is considering a compromise measure that does not deliver all the funds Trump had demanded to build a wall along the US&nbsp;border with Mexico.

On Tuesday, the Republican president said he was not happy with the deal and he did not rule out a possible veto of the legislation.

The Democratic-controlled US&nbsp;House of Representatives could vote as soon as Wednesday evening, a senior aide said, despite not yet having produced a written copy of the agreement reached by congressional negotiators on Monday night.

The accord must also be passed by the Republican-controlled Senate and signed by Trump by the midnight Friday expiration of a stopgap measure that ended the longest federal shutdown in US&nbsp;history.

The measure's fate in the House was far from certain given the risk that conservatives and liberals will oppose the compromise for different reasons.

Congressional sources said the deal includes $1.37 billion for new border fencing, about the same as last year — along 55 miles (90 km) of the border — but not the $5.7 billion Trump has demanded to help build his promised border wall.

Senior congressional Republicans, showing little appetite for another shutdown after being heavily criticized for the previous one, urged Trump to support the agreement.

"I think the president will sign it. I think he will do so reluctantly, and then obviously, have to use executive actions to secure our borders," US&nbsp;Representative Mark Meadows, head of the Republicans' conservative caucus in the House, told reporters on Tuesday.

The Washington Post, citing a White House official, said Trump was likely to explore using his executive power to reallocate other federal funds for barrier projects along the southern border. CNN, citing the White House, also said Trump was weighing the use of an executive order, among other options

"There are some positives in this bill, but it's certainly not enough," Sanders said in an interview with Fox News Channel. "The president and his team have been looking at every option possible to get the full funding they need in order to complete the wall."

Trump surprised lawmakers when he withdrew support for a previous deal in December and demanded $5.7 billion in wall funding, which was opposed by Democrats in Congress. That triggered a 35-day shutdown of about a fourth of the federal government that left 800,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay.

The president previously threatened to declare a "national emergency" if Congress did not provide money specifically for the wall -- a move that would almost certainly draw opposition in Congress and in the courts.

Trump made the wall a central 2016 campaign promise, calling it necessary to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He said Mexico would pay for it, but Mexican officials rejected that. Democrats have called a wall expensive, ineffective and immoral.

The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would.

The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would. "We want to see what the final piece of legislation looks like," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. "It's hard to say definitively whether or not the president is going to sign it until we know everything that's in it." Congress, which faces a tight deadline to pass legislation to avert another US government shutdown, is considering a compromise measure that does not deliver all the funds Trump had demanded to build a wall along the US border with Mexico. On Tuesday, the Republican president said he was not happy with the deal and he did not rule out a possible veto of the legislation. The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives could vote as soon as Wednesday evening, a senior aide said, despite not yet having produced a written copy of the agreement reached by congressional negotiators on Monday night. The accord must also be passed by the Republican-controlled Senate and signed by Trump by the midnight Friday expiration of a stopgap measure that ended the longest federal shutdown in US history. The measure's fate in the House was far from certain given the risk that conservatives and liberals will oppose the compromise for different reasons. Congressional sources said the deal includes $1.37 billion for new border fencing, about the same as last year — along 55 miles (90 km) of the border — but not the $5.7 billion Trump has demanded to help build his promised border wall. Senior congressional Republicans, showing little appetite for another shutdown after being heavily criticized for the previous one, urged Trump to support the agreement. "I think the president will sign it. I think he will do so reluctantly, and then obviously, have to use executive actions to secure our borders," US Representative Mark Meadows, head of the Republicans' conservative caucus in the House, told reporters on Tuesday. The Washington Post, citing a White House official, said Trump was likely to explore using his executive power to reallocate other federal funds for barrier projects along the southern border. CNN, citing the White House, also said Trump was weighing the use of an executive order, among other options "There are some positives in this bill, but it's certainly not enough," Sanders said in an interview with Fox News Channel. "The president and his team have been looking at every option possible to get the full funding they need in order to complete the wall." Trump surprised lawmakers when he withdrew support for a previous deal in December and demanded $5.7 billion in wall funding, which was opposed by Democrats in Congress. That triggered a 35-day shutdown of about a fourth of the federal government that left 800,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay. The president previously threatened to declare a "national emergency" if Congress did not provide money specifically for the wall -- a move that would almost certainly draw opposition in Congress and in the courts. Trump made the wall a central 2016 campaign promise, calling it necessary to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He said Mexico would pay for it, but Mexican officials rejected that. Democrats have called a wall expensive, ineffective and immoral.

Not clear if Trump will sign border wall funding deal: White House

US lawmakers have reached an agreement in principle to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783">avoid a new government shutdown</a> at the end of the week, senators announced Monday, including $1.375 billion for a wall on the southern US border.

"We've reached an agreement in principle between us on the Homeland Security and the other six bills," Senator Richard Shelby, a key Republican negotiator, told reporters.

Senior congressional aides told AFP the agreement included $1.375 billion in funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border -- a key campaign promise of President Donald Trump, who had demanded $5.7 billion for his pet project.

The agreed figure would fund approximately 89 kilometres, all to be located in the Rio Grande Valley area of south Texas, the aides said.

The deal still faces White House approval.

The Democrats and Trump have been clashing for weeks over funding a barrier on the border.

The gridlock prompted the longest government shutdown in US history -- lasting over a month -- that ended January 25 when Trump signed into law a deal giving lawmakers three weeks to come up with an agreement or face further paralysis.

As Monday's tentative deal was announced, the president was holding a campaign-style rally in the frontier city of El Paso, Texas -- a place where he claims walls have eradicated an out-of-control influx of criminals from Mexico.

US lawmakers have reached an agreement in principle to avoid a new government shutdown at the end of the week, senators announced Monday, including $1.375 billion for a wall on the southern US border.

US lawmakers have reached an agreement in principle to avoid a new government shutdown at the end of the week, senators announced Monday, including $1.375 billion for a wall on the southern US border. "We've reached an agreement in principle between us on the Homeland Security and the other six bills," Senator Richard Shelby, a key Republican negotiator, told reporters. Senior congressional aides told AFP the agreement included $1.375 billion in funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border -- a key campaign promise of President Donald Trump, who had demanded $5.7 billion for his pet project. The agreed figure would fund approximately 89 kilometres, all to be located in the Rio Grande Valley area of south Texas, the aides said. The deal still faces White House approval. The Democrats and Trump have been clashing for weeks over funding a barrier on the border. The gridlock prompted the longest government shutdown in US history -- lasting over a month -- that ended January 25 when Trump signed into law a deal giving lawmakers three weeks to come up with an agreement or face further paralysis. As Monday's tentative deal was announced, the president was holding a campaign-style rally in the frontier city of El Paso, Texas -- a place where he claims walls have eradicated an out-of-control influx of criminals from Mexico.

Reached agreement 'in principle' to avoid new US government shutdown: Senator Shelby

The five-week US government shutdown subtracted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">$11 billion from the economy</a>, about twice the amount President Donald Trump sought to fund a border wall, a congressional body said Monday.

However, all but $3 billion, or 0.02 per cent of GDP, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delays-at-new-york-airport-due-to-shutdown-staff-shortages-192835">will eventually </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delays-at-new-york-airport-due-to-shutdown-staff-shortages-192835">recovered</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delays-at-new-york-airport-due-to-shutdown-staff-shortages-192835"> as the</a> government resumes operations, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report.

"Underlying those effects on the overall economy are much more significant effects on individual businesses and workers," the report said.

"Some of those private-sector entities will never recoup that lost income."

Growth in subsequent quarters this year should see a small bounce, compensating for the losses in the final quarter of 2018 and the start of 2019, the report said.

The partial shutdown, the longest in US history, left some 800,000 federal workers either working without pay or furloughed although they are due to receive back pay this week.

With public services including aviation safety beginning to buckle under the strain of withheld wages, Trump agreed Friday to reopen the federal government temporarily, with no additional funding for the wall. The border wall to stem illegal immigration was a signature pledge from his 2016 campaign.

Funding for the government is due to run out by mid-February and Trump told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday that the odds were below 50 percent that lawmakers would reach a deal on border security he would find acceptable.

The border wall to stem illegal immigration was a signature pledge from his 2016 campaign. 
&nbsp;

The five-week US government shutdown subtracted $11 billion from the economy, about twice the amount President Donald Trump sought to fund a border wall, a congressional body said Monday.

The five-week US government shutdown subtracted $11 billion from the economy, about twice the amount President Donald Trump sought to fund a border wall, a congressional body said Monday. However, all but $3 billion, or 0.02 per cent of GDP, will eventually recovered as the government resumes operations, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report. "Underlying those effects on the overall economy are much more significant effects on individual businesses and workers," the report said. "Some of those private-sector entities will never recoup that lost income." Growth in subsequent quarters this year should see a small bounce, compensating for the losses in the final quarter of 2018 and the start of 2019, the report said. The partial shutdown, the longest in US history, left some 800,000 federal workers either working without pay or furloughed although they are due to receive back pay this week. With public services including aviation safety beginning to buckle under the strain of withheld wages, Trump agreed Friday to reopen the federal government temporarily, with no additional funding for the wall. The border wall to stem illegal immigration was a signature pledge from his 2016 campaign. Funding for the government is due to run out by mid-February and Trump told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday that the odds were below 50 percent that lawmakers would reach a deal on border security he would find acceptable. The border wall to stem illegal immigration was a signature pledge from his 2016 campaign.

US government shutdown subtracted $11 billion from economy: Congressional report

The US&nbsp;economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&amp;P Global Ratings said on Friday.

President Donald Trump agreed on Friday to end the 35-day partial shutdown, the longest in history, without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a border wall.

"Although this shutdown has ended, little agreement on Capitol Hill will likely weigh on business confidence and financial market sentiments," S&amp;P said in a news release.

The US economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&P Global Ratings said on Friday.

The US economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&P Global Ratings said on Friday. President Donald Trump agreed on Friday to end the 35-day partial shutdown, the longest in history, without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a border wall. "Although this shutdown has ended, little agreement on Capitol Hill will likely weigh on business confidence and financial market sentiments," S&P said in a news release.

US economy lost at least $6 billion to government shutdown: Report

On the 34th day of a partial US government shutdown, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remained at odds over his demand for funding for a wall on the border with Mexico.&nbsp;

Trump has refused to sign any legislation to fund an array of government agencies, including the departments of agriculture, commerce, justice, interior and homeland security, unless it includes $5.7 billion for his long-promised wall.

The Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, have rejected the wall as ineffective and immoral, and want the government to be reopened before any further talks about border security.

As long as the stalemate continues, 800,000 federal employees are on furlough or working without pay.

The following are some possible ways the standoff might end:&nbsp;

GLIMMERS OF PROGRESS

With the Senate on Thursday blocking competing measures by Republicans and Democrats to break the impasse, there were new signs of negotiations on a bipartisan deal, even if only as a temporary fix.

Many senators were talking about the possibility of a bipartisan bill to fund the various federal agencies, which comprise about one-quarter of the U.S. government, for three weeks.

During that time, Congress and the White House would work on a border security compromise. The White House was insisting, however, that Trump would support such a move only if it includes a downpayment on the wall,&nbsp; 
which Democrats have opposed.

OTHER POSSIBLE WAYS TO BREAK THE IMPASSE

*Democrats agree to more than the $1.3 billion in border security funding they have been backing, but less than the $5.7 billion Trump wants. If Trump faces a public opinion backlash or there are signs Republican lawmakers may be abandoning him, he might have to settle for less.

*Democrats and Republicans agree on $5.7 billion in border security funding this year, but the language allows both sides to claim victory by including different ways of securing the border. Democrats insist the money will not be used to build a wall; Trump and his fellow Republicans tout the money that will include funding for various types of barriers and other tools to discourage illegal immigration and drugs.

*A "grand bargain" emerges that reopens the government, bolsters border security and also provides protections from deportation for "Dreamers," who were brought to the United States illegally as children by their parents.&nbsp;

Other changes to immigration law also could be included. Such a deal would fund federal programs through the fiscal year that ends on September 30, and add funds for an array of border security tools without imposing new curbs on immigration that Trump has previously attempted.

This scenario, however, is fraught with difficulties.

Democrats are likely to insist that Dreamers be granted a pathway to citizenship, an idea many conservatives oppose and some do not want any special protections for Dreamers enacted into law.

Trump would probably insist on some new controls on immigration, such as additional restrictions on asylum claims.

TRUMP DECLARES `NATIONAL EMERGENCY` 
While the possibility that this might happen has faded recently, Trump could revive his threat to declare a national emergency at any time. His rationale would be that illegal immigration jeopardizes US security, which gives him the authority to redirect existing federal funds to build the wall, possibly targeting Defense Department accounts.

Under the Constitution, it is up to Congress to decide how taxpayers` money is spent and using presidential powers to move funding around is almost certain to face legal challenges.

Still, such a step would probably lead to prompt enactment of legislation reopening the government under the belief that Trump would sign it into law, without the $5.7 billion.

On the 34th day of a partial US government shutdown, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remained at odds over his demand for funding for a wall on the border with Mexico.

On the 34th day of a partial US government shutdown, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remained at odds over his demand for funding for a wall on the border with Mexico. Trump has refused to sign any legislation to fund an array of government agencies, including the departments of agriculture, commerce, justice, interior and homeland security, unless it includes $5.7 billion for his long-promised wall. The Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, have rejected the wall as ineffective and immoral, and want the government to be reopened before any further talks about border security. As long as the stalemate continues, 800,000 federal employees are on furlough or working without pay. The following are some possible ways the standoff might end: GLIMMERS OF PROGRESS With the Senate on Thursday blocking competing measures by Republicans and Democrats to break the impasse, there were new signs of negotiations on a bipartisan deal, even if only as a temporary fix. Many senators were talking about the possibility of a bipartisan bill to fund the various federal agencies, which comprise about one-quarter of the U.S. government, for three weeks. During that time, Congress and the White House would work on a border security compromise. The White House was insisting, however, that Trump would support such a move only if it includes a downpayment on the wall, which Democrats have opposed. OTHER POSSIBLE WAYS TO BREAK THE IMPASSE *Democrats agree to more than the $1.3 billion in border security funding they have been backing, but less than the $5.7 billion Trump wants. If Trump faces a public opinion backlash or there are signs Republican lawmakers may be abandoning him, he might have to settle for less. *Democrats and Republicans agree on $5.7 billion in border security funding this year, but the language allows both sides to claim victory by including different ways of securing the border. Democrats insist the money will not be used to build a wall; Trump and his fellow Republicans tout the money that will include funding for various types of barriers and other tools to discourage illegal immigration and drugs. *A "grand bargain" emerges that reopens the government, bolsters border security and also provides protections from deportation for "Dreamers," who were brought to the United States illegally as children by their parents. Other changes to immigration law also could be included. Such a deal would fund federal programs through the fiscal year that ends on September 30, and add funds for an array of border security tools without imposing new curbs on immigration that Trump has previously attempted. This scenario, however, is fraught with difficulties. Democrats are likely to insist that Dreamers be granted a pathway to citizenship, an idea many conservatives oppose and some do not want any special protections for Dreamers enacted into law. Trump would probably insist on some new controls on immigration, such as additional restrictions on asylum claims. TRUMP DECLARES `NATIONAL EMERGENCY` While the possibility that this might happen has faded recently, Trump could revive his threat to declare a national emergency at any time. His rationale would be that illegal immigration jeopardizes US security, which gives him the authority to redirect existing federal funds to build the wall, possibly targeting Defense Department accounts. Under the Constitution, it is up to Congress to decide how taxpayers` money is spent and using presidential powers to move funding around is almost certain to face legal challenges. Still, such a step would probably lead to prompt enactment of legislation reopening the government under the belief that Trump would sign it into law, without the $5.7 billion.

How US shutdown over border wall fight might play out

US President Donald Trump intensified his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocks-pelosi-trip-as-tensions-mount-over-government-shutdown-191083">war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a> Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day.

The growing acrimony came on the eve of a pair of US Senate votes that appear unlikely to end the longest-ever shutdown -- and as furloughed federal workers vented their fury on Capitol Hill.

The president and his Republicans still have the better part of a week to resolve differences with Democrats and get federal operations going again, allowing his State of the Union speech to proceed.&nbsp;

But the prospects were dim, with the Senate votes -- one on Trump's plan that includes money for his border wall, the other by Democrats seeking to reopen government before negotiating border security -- bound to fail on Thursday.

Traditionally the president's annual speech, scheduled for next Tuesday, is delivered before a joint session of Congress in the ornate chamber of the House of Representatives.

In an effort to force the hand of Pelosi, who had already urged Trump to reschedule due to shutdown-related security shortcomings, the president wrote to her saying it would be "so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!"

Pelosi, who has become the face of Democratic opposition to Trump in Congress, pushed back, informing the president that the House would not authorize the speech in the chamber.

"Again, I look forward to welcoming you to the House on a mutually agreeable date for this address when government has been opened," said Pelosi.&nbsp;

The rejection sent Washington's establishment into uncharted territory, and all but forced Trump to retreat over his address.

"The State of the Union speech has been cancelled by Nancy Pelosi because she doesn't want to hear the truth" about border security, Trump told reporters, adding that he is considering an "alternative" for the speech.

"We'll be announcing what we'll do," he said.

'Will work for pay' 
The shutdown, which has seen some 800,000 federal employees left without pay for a month, was triggered by Trump's refusal to sign funding bills in December.&nbsp;

This was in retaliation for the Democrats' refusal to approve funds for extending walls along the US-Mexico border.

With the closure of about one quarter of federal agencies affecting millions of Americans, hundreds of government workers who have not been paid in weeks used the power of protest to publicize their plight, peacefully occupying a congressional office building for several hours.

Some held posters or paper plates with messages including "Will work for pay" and "Do your job -- so Americans can do theirs."

And with no solution in sight, they were bracing for Friday, when they expect to miss their second paycheck in a row.

Trump says he will not reopen government before his wall funding comes through. But he also pointed the finger and Pelosi and her caucus.

"It's really a shame, what's happening with the Democrats," he said. "They've become radicalized."

The votes in the Republican-controlled Senate have the potential to break the impasse, but since both need to clear a 60-vote threshold to advance in the 100-member chamber, their passage is unlikely.&nbsp;

Government shutdowns are a disruptive political ritual that have occurred in various administrations and are almost unique to the American system.&nbsp;

This one is the longest on record, and has left a broad swath of federal workers unpaid -- among them airport security officers, FBI agents, museum workers, US Coast Guard personnel, and Environmental Protection Agency personnel charged with monitoring toxic chemicals or other pollutants.

US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day.

US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. The growing acrimony came on the eve of a pair of US Senate votes that appear unlikely to end the longest-ever shutdown -- and as furloughed federal workers vented their fury on Capitol Hill. The president and his Republicans still have the better part of a week to resolve differences with Democrats and get federal operations going again, allowing his State of the Union speech to proceed. But the prospects were dim, with the Senate votes -- one on Trump's plan that includes money for his border wall, the other by Democrats seeking to reopen government before negotiating border security -- bound to fail on Thursday. Traditionally the president's annual speech, scheduled for next Tuesday, is delivered before a joint session of Congress in the ornate chamber of the House of Representatives. In an effort to force the hand of Pelosi, who had already urged Trump to reschedule due to shutdown-related security shortcomings, the president wrote to her saying it would be "so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!" Pelosi, who has become the face of Democratic opposition to Trump in Congress, pushed back, informing the president that the House would not authorize the speech in the chamber. "Again, I look forward to welcoming you to the House on a mutually agreeable date for this address when government has been opened," said Pelosi. The rejection sent Washington's establishment into uncharted territory, and all but forced Trump to retreat over his address. "The State of the Union speech has been cancelled by Nancy Pelosi because she doesn't want to hear the truth" about border security, Trump told reporters, adding that he is considering an "alternative" for the speech. "We'll be announcing what we'll do," he said. 'Will work for pay' The shutdown, which has seen some 800,000 federal employees left without pay for a month, was triggered by Trump's refusal to sign funding bills in December. This was in retaliation for the Democrats' refusal to approve funds for extending walls along the US-Mexico border. With the closure of about one quarter of federal agencies affecting millions of Americans, hundreds of government workers who have not been paid in weeks used the power of protest to publicize their plight, peacefully occupying a congressional office building for several hours. Some held posters or paper plates with messages including "Will work for pay" and "Do your job -- so Americans can do theirs." And with no solution in sight, they were bracing for Friday, when they expect to miss their second paycheck in a row. Trump says he will not reopen government before his wall funding comes through. But he also pointed the finger and Pelosi and her caucus. "It's really a shame, what's happening with the Democrats," he said. "They've become radicalized." The votes in the Republican-controlled Senate have the potential to break the impasse, but since both need to clear a 60-vote threshold to advance in the 100-member chamber, their passage is unlikely. Government shutdowns are a disruptive political ritual that have occurred in various administrations and are almost unique to the American system. This one is the longest on record, and has left a broad swath of federal workers unpaid -- among them airport security officers, FBI agents, museum workers, US Coast Guard personnel, and Environmental Protection Agency personnel charged with monitoring toxic chemicals or other pollutants.

Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech

Most never needed help from a food pantry. But a month since the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-cant-pay-informants-fbi-on-us-government-shutdown-192096">US government shutdown</a> began, dozens of federal employees have been lining up in Brooklyn for basics.

Customs, tax and emergency management officials are all among the crowd, having gone unemployed since December 22.

Others deemed "essential" like transportation workers or prison guards are forced to continue working without pay, taking advantage of their lunch breaks to stock up.

Volunteers are manning distribution tables in the lobby of the New York borough's Barclays Center, which usually hosts concerts or sporting events rather than charity drives.

Those in need first register and then fill plastic bags with canned goods, potatoes, chicken, grapes and basic toiletries.

"I came here to grab some goods, to be honest," said Antoinette Peek-Williams, an employee of the Homeland Security Department, who came an hour by subway from Harlem.&nbsp;

"Any way I can save money and put towards something else -- that's what I am trying to do."

Since the budget impasse began, the 62-year-old lives "day to day -- watching what I eat, watching what I spend, not spending."

"Praying that they make a decision sooner than later."

She hopes to return to work on February 1 -- an optimism of which she's no longer so certain.

"I am a person where the glass is always half-full," said the mother of a college student.

"I have to stay hopeful," she said. "If you don't have hope, you don't have anything."

It's a sentiment echoed by Chante Johnson, a tax administrator.

But "it's getting rough," the 48-year-old said. "It's coming, like, to the end of everything."

'Unprecedented'

She provides for a daughter along with her mother, and says she hasn't been able to sleep or eat healthy since being out of work.

"I just want them to open it up," she said. "Start talking and open up the government."

For those federal workers forced to work without pay, the situation is even more tense.

They can only testify anonymously, sworn to confidentiality.

"It is very stressful," said one 39-year-old single mother, who works as a prison guard at Brooklyn's federal detention facility.

She came to the food pantry on her lunch break seeking enough to prepare a few meals.

Her daughter is nearing the end of high school, and as students apply for universities, she laments being unable to pay her child's application fees.

She managed to postpone the monthly bill for her cell phone -- which she needs for work -- albeit with a late penalty.

But she won't be able to make it after mid-February.

"After that I won't be able to go to work," she said, saying she won't have money to fill her car's gas tank.

The shutdown has exacerbated an already precarious situation in a city where soaring rents are pushing more and more families into poverty, said Francisco Tezen, head of development at the Food Bank for New York City.

The non-profit, the city's largest food assistance organization, hosted the distribution along with corporate sponsors.

"Something like this is unprecedented, it's almost equivalent to times when we have had to activate response and services in response to a disaster," said Tezen.

"Just the length of period of time, and the volatility and the unknowns."

Organizations like his "can be of assistance and help," he said -- "but we are not an antidote to gridlock or just bad policy."

He refrained from pointing specific blame for the political stalemate, but many in New York, a Democratic stronghold, pin culpability on Donald Trump.

In Johnson's view, the border situation is not dire enough to require the $5.7 billion the president has demanded to build a wall.

"What happened? Did a Mexican beat him up as a little boy so he is so gung-ho on this wall?" she asked. "Talk about it and get us back to work.

"Get us back the work that we love doing."

Most never needed help from a food pantry. But a month since the US government shutdown began, dozens of federal employees have been lining up in Brooklyn for basics.

Most never needed help from a food pantry. But a month since the US government shutdown began, dozens of federal employees have been lining up in Brooklyn for basics. Customs, tax and emergency management officials are all among the crowd, having gone unemployed since December 22. Others deemed "essential" like transportation workers or prison guards are forced to continue working without pay, taking advantage of their lunch breaks to stock up. Volunteers are manning distribution tables in the lobby of the New York borough's Barclays Center, which usually hosts concerts or sporting events rather than charity drives. Those in need first register and then fill plastic bags with canned goods, potatoes, chicken, grapes and basic toiletries. "I came here to grab some goods, to be honest," said Antoinette Peek-Williams, an employee of the Homeland Security Department, who came an hour by subway from Harlem. "Any way I can save money and put towards something else -- that's what I am trying to do." Since the budget impasse began, the 62-year-old lives "day to day -- watching what I eat, watching what I spend, not spending." "Praying that they make a decision sooner than later." She hopes to return to work on February 1 -- an optimism of which she's no longer so certain. "I am a person where the glass is always half-full," said the mother of a college student. "I have to stay hopeful," she said. "If you don't have hope, you don't have anything." It's a sentiment echoed by Chante Johnson, a tax administrator. But "it's getting rough," the 48-year-old said. "It's coming, like, to the end of everything." 'Unprecedented' She provides for a daughter along with her mother, and says she hasn't been able to sleep or eat healthy since being out of work. "I just want them to open it up," she said. "Start talking and open up the government." For those federal workers forced to work without pay, the situation is even more tense. They can only testify anonymously, sworn to confidentiality. "It is very stressful," said one 39-year-old single mother, who works as a prison guard at Brooklyn's federal detention facility. She came to the food pantry on her lunch break seeking enough to prepare a few meals. Her daughter is nearing the end of high school, and as students apply for universities, she laments being unable to pay her child's application fees. She managed to postpone the monthly bill for her cell phone -- which she needs for work -- albeit with a late penalty. But she won't be able to make it after mid-February. "After that I won't be able to go to work," she said, saying she won't have money to fill her car's gas tank. The shutdown has exacerbated an already precarious situation in a city where soaring rents are pushing more and more families into poverty, said Francisco Tezen, head of development at the Food Bank for New York City. The non-profit, the city's largest food assistance organization, hosted the distribution along with corporate sponsors. "Something like this is unprecedented, it's almost equivalent to times when we have had to activate response and services in response to a disaster," said Tezen. "Just the length of period of time, and the volatility and the unknowns." Organizations like his "can be of assistance and help," he said -- "but we are not an antidote to gridlock or just bad policy." He refrained from pointing specific blame for the political stalemate, but many in New York, a Democratic stronghold, pin culpability on Donald Trump. In Johnson's view, the border situation is not dire enough to require the $5.7 billion the president has demanded to build a wall. "What happened? Did a Mexican beat him up as a little boy so he is so gung-ho on this wall?" she asked. "Talk about it and get us back to work. "Get us back the work that we love doing."

After a month of shutdown, US federal workers turn to food banks

FBI agents complained Monday that the month-old <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/without-a-wall-our-country-can-never-have-national-security-says-trump-as-government-shutdown-enters-second-month-192081">US government shutdown</a> is preventing them from paying informants, buying drugs undercover in narcotics busts, and even renewing their own security clearances.

Investigations and prosecutions are suffering from the lack of money to travel to interview witnesses or funds to pay translators, agents are saying, according to Tom O'Connor, president of the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA).

"Every day that the shutdown continues, the operational impediments created by the shutdown get worse and damage our counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations around the globe," said O'Connor, raising the pressure on the White House and Congress to end the shutdown.

The shutdown began on December 22 after President Donald Trump rejected a proposed government funding bill that did not meet his demand for billions of dollars to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

Since then Trump and Democrats have stuck to their positions, leaving no end in sight for 800,000 federal workers and millions of contract workers furloughed without pay.

Most of the 13,000 FBI special agents still have to work, and O'Connor said a new FBIAA report shows training, investigations and recruitment are all suffering.

Several agents said the dwindling operations resources make it impossible to keep paying tipsters and informants.

"Not being able to pay Confidential Human Sources risks losing them and the information they provide FOREVER. It is not a switch that we can turn on and off," said an unidentified agent from the central part of the US.

One said they cannot get timely subpoenas because many Justice Department lawyers have been furloughed. Another said he doesn't have funds to refill a "cold" phone he uses to talk to sources in a terror investigation.

One bureau reports running out of DNA testing kits, replacement tires for office vehicles and copy paper. And agents deployed abroad say they cannot get repaid for thousands of dollars in expenses, because the back-office staff processing reimbursements is not working.

According to O'Connor, many agents are reporting personal financial strains -- which normally the FBI considers renders them security risks.

"This Friday, nearly 13,000 special agents of the FBI and thousands of professional support employees, will for the second time not receive a paycheck," said O'Connor.

"The FBIAA report makes it absolutely clear that our leaders in Washington must fund the FBI immediately," he said.&nbsp;

FBI agents complained Monday that the month-old US government shutdown is preventing them from paying informants, buying drugs undercover in narcotics busts, and even renewing their own security clearances.

FBI agents complained Monday that the month-old US government shutdown is preventing them from paying informants, buying drugs undercover in narcotics busts, and even renewing their own security clearances. Investigations and prosecutions are suffering from the lack of money to travel to interview witnesses or funds to pay translators, agents are saying, according to Tom O'Connor, president of the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA). "Every day that the shutdown continues, the operational impediments created by the shutdown get worse and damage our counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations around the globe," said O'Connor, raising the pressure on the White House and Congress to end the shutdown. The shutdown began on December 22 after President Donald Trump rejected a proposed government funding bill that did not meet his demand for billions of dollars to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Since then Trump and Democrats have stuck to their positions, leaving no end in sight for 800,000 federal workers and millions of contract workers furloughed without pay. Most of the 13,000 FBI special agents still have to work, and O'Connor said a new FBIAA report shows training, investigations and recruitment are all suffering. Several agents said the dwindling operations resources make it impossible to keep paying tipsters and informants. "Not being able to pay Confidential Human Sources risks losing them and the information they provide FOREVER. It is not a switch that we can turn on and off," said an unidentified agent from the central part of the US. One said they cannot get timely subpoenas because many Justice Department lawyers have been furloughed. Another said he doesn't have funds to refill a "cold" phone he uses to talk to sources in a terror investigation. One bureau reports running out of DNA testing kits, replacement tires for office vehicles and copy paper. And agents deployed abroad say they cannot get repaid for thousands of dollars in expenses, because the back-office staff processing reimbursements is not working. According to O'Connor, many agents are reporting personal financial strains -- which normally the FBI considers renders them security risks. "This Friday, nearly 13,000 special agents of the FBI and thousands of professional support employees, will for the second time not receive a paycheck," said O'Connor. "The FBIAA report makes it absolutely clear that our leaders in Washington must fund the FBI immediately," he said.

'We can't pay informants': FBI on US government shutdown

US President Donald Trump bitterly attacked top Democrat Nancy Pelosi on Sunday after she rejected a deal on immigration and the Mexico border wall that would end a 30-day-old government shutdown.

Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives, on Saturday called Trump's offer of temporary protections for about a million immigrants in return for $5.7 billion to fund the wall a "non-starter."

"Nancy Pelosi has behaved so irrationally &amp; has gone so far to the left that she has now officially become a Radical Democrat," Trump tweeted. "She is so petrified of the 'lefties' in her party that she has lost control."

"...And by the way, clean up the streets in San Francisco, they are disgusting!" he added, in a seemingly gratuitous aside. Pelosi is from San Francisco.

The offer also was assailed by prominent anti-immigrant voices, which denounced it as tantamount to amnesty.

"No, Amnesty is not a part of my offer. It is a 3-year extension of DACA," Trump said in another tweet, referring to former president Barack Obama's program to shield undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children.

Besides the 700,000 immigrants already enrolled in the so-called DACA or "Dreamers" program, Trump's proposal would also extend to another 300,000 people who had been protected from deportation under another program.

He said that while there would be "no big push" to remove the 11 million people in the country illegally, he warned: 'but be careful, Nancy!"&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence, who has been leading the administration's contacts with members of Congress, said a bill with the president's proposal would be introduced in the Republican-controlled Senate as early as Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump bitterly attacked top Democrat Nancy Pelosi on Sunday after she rejected a deal on immigration and the Mexico border wall that would end a 30-day-old government shutdown.

US President Donald Trump bitterly attacked top Democrat Nancy Pelosi on Sunday after she rejected a deal on immigration and the Mexico border wall that would end a 30-day-old government shutdown. Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives, on Saturday called Trump's offer of temporary protections for about a million immigrants in return for $5.7 billion to fund the wall a "non-starter." "Nancy Pelosi has behaved so irrationally & has gone so far to the left that she has now officially become a Radical Democrat," Trump tweeted. "She is so petrified of the 'lefties' in her party that she has lost control." "...And by the way, clean up the streets in San Francisco, they are disgusting!" he added, in a seemingly gratuitous aside. Pelosi is from San Francisco. The offer also was assailed by prominent anti-immigrant voices, which denounced it as tantamount to amnesty. "No, Amnesty is not a part of my offer. It is a 3-year extension of DACA," Trump said in another tweet, referring to former president Barack Obama's program to shield undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children. Besides the 700,000 immigrants already enrolled in the so-called DACA or "Dreamers" program, Trump's proposal would also extend to another 300,000 people who had been protected from deportation under another program. He said that while there would be "no big push" to remove the 11 million people in the country illegally, he warned: 'but be careful, Nancy!" Vice President Mike Pence, who has been leading the administration's contacts with members of Congress, said a bill with the president's proposal would be introduced in the Republican-controlled Senate as early as Tuesday.

Trump attacks Democrat Nancy Pelosi for rejecting Mexico wall deal

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday.

John Williams, who also holds the influential vice chairmanship of the Federal Reserve's policy committee, reportedly told a gathering the government work stoppage could shave as much as a full percentage point off GDP growth in the first quarter.

In an address delivered to a New Jersey banking association, Williams said the shutdown was among "emerging headwinds to growth," according to his prepared remarks.

He went on to estimate that the shutdown would reduce GDP growth by half a percentage point, "maybe even a percentage point if it continues," but said that a rebound would come when it ends, according to Bloomberg.

Economists say that beyond lost pay for federal workers, the shutdown is impeding economic activity in systemic ways, interrupting the issuance of permits, data collection, regulatory approvals, contract payment and the payment of aid and loans in various sectors such as agriculture.

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday warned that the shutdown's effect will worsen as it drags on.

Different estimates have put the losses at between 0.05 and 0.1 percentage point for each week the shutdown persists.

Last month, the Federal Reserve forecast 2.3 per cent growth for 2019, markedly slower than 2018.

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday.

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday. John Williams, who also holds the influential vice chairmanship of the Federal Reserve's policy committee, reportedly told a gathering the government work stoppage could shave as much as a full percentage point off GDP growth in the first quarter. In an address delivered to a New Jersey banking association, Williams said the shutdown was among "emerging headwinds to growth," according to his prepared remarks. He went on to estimate that the shutdown would reduce GDP growth by half a percentage point, "maybe even a percentage point if it continues," but said that a rebound would come when it ends, according to Bloomberg. Economists say that beyond lost pay for federal workers, the shutdown is impeding economic activity in systemic ways, interrupting the issuance of permits, data collection, regulatory approvals, contract payment and the payment of aid and loans in various sectors such as agriculture. The International Monetary Fund on Thursday warned that the shutdown's effect will worsen as it drags on. Different estimates have put the losses at between 0.05 and 0.1 percentage point for each week the shutdown persists. Last month, the Federal Reserve forecast 2.3 per cent growth for 2019, markedly slower than 2018.

US shutdown could stunt economic growth: New York Federal Reserve chief

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocks-pelosi-trip-as-tensions-mount-over-government-shutdown-191083"> US delegation's trip to the annual</a> international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

"Out of consideration for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-starting-to-hurt-trumps-financial-deregulation-agenda-191010">800,000 great American workers</a> not receiving pay and to ensure his team can assist as needed, President Trump has canceled his delegation's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland," said a statement from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had been due to head the five-strong delegation that also included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and assistant to the president Chris Liddell.

The decision to scrap the Davos trip came after Trump hit his chief Democratic opponent Nancy Pelosi with a last-minute cancellation of her plan to take an air force plane to Afghanistan, citing the four-week-old shutdown as a motive.

Some 800,000 federal employees and many more government contractors are affected by the partial shutdown, triggered by Trump's refusal to sign off on funding for a host of departments.

This was in retaliation for the refusal of Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, to approve his plans for a US-Mexico border wall.

Trump last week cancelled his own participation in Davos, also citing the row over his proposed wall. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government. "Out of consideration for the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay and to ensure his team can assist as needed, President Trump has canceled his delegation's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland," said a statement from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had been due to head the five-strong delegation that also included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and assistant to the president Chris Liddell. The decision to scrap the Davos trip came after Trump hit his chief Democratic opponent Nancy Pelosi with a last-minute cancellation of her plan to take an air force plane to Afghanistan, citing the four-week-old shutdown as a motive. Some 800,000 federal employees and many more government contractors are affected by the partial shutdown, triggered by Trump's refusal to sign off on funding for a host of departments. This was in retaliation for the refusal of Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, to approve his plans for a US-Mexico border wall. Trump last week cancelled his own participation in Davos, also citing the row over his proposed wall.

Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account. 
 
In addition to ranting about the shutdown, Cardi also slammed US President Donald Trump for forcing some federal employees to return to work without being paid. "Trump is now ordering federal workers to go back to work without getting paid," said Cardi, who defended Obama`s shutdown in 2013, stating that it was "for healthcare." 
 
In her signature delivery, she argued, "So your grandma could check her blood pressure and y`all bitches could go check y`all pu**y at the gynaecologist.'' To conclude her rant, Cardi stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that many of her fans may not care about the shutdown but they should. "Now I know a lot of y`all don`t care because y`all don`t work for the government or y`all probably don`t even have a job but this s- is really f- serious, bro. This s- is crazy. Our country is in a hell hole right now all for a f- wall and we really need to take this seriously," she said. 
 
"I feel like we need to take some action. I don`t know what type of action, b-, cause this is not what I do, but b- I`m scared," she concluded. She captioned the video as, "I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I`m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain`t going to say nothing much tho I don`t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BstmkvDFGAm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I’m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain’t going to say nothing much tho I don’t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> CARDIVENOM</a> (@iamcardib) on <time datetime="2019-01-16T22:41:50+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 16, 2019 at 2:41pm PST</time>
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This is not the first time that Cardi has spoken her mind. In March, the `Bodak Yellow` rapper posted another rant questioning where her tax dollars were going, reported People. The government closed on December 22, 2018, in the wake of Trump`s call for funding for a proposed billion-dollar southern border wall.&nbsp; 
 
Trump claimed that he needs the wall to stem a "crisis" of drugs, violence and human trafficking. However, Congressional Democrats, empowered by the midterms, have rejected that, stating a wall is ineffective and offering to negotiate about border security once the government reopens. The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in the history of the US.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account.

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account. In addition to ranting about the shutdown, Cardi also slammed US President Donald Trump for forcing some federal employees to return to work without being paid. "Trump is now ordering federal workers to go back to work without getting paid," said Cardi, who defended Obama`s shutdown in 2013, stating that it was "for healthcare." In her signature delivery, she argued, "So your grandma could check her blood pressure and y`all bitches could go check y`all pu**y at the gynaecologist.'' To conclude her rant, Cardi stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that many of her fans may not care about the shutdown but they should. "Now I know a lot of y`all don`t care because y`all don`t work for the government or y`all probably don`t even have a job but this s- is really f- serious, bro. This s- is crazy. Our country is in a hell hole right now all for a f- wall and we really need to take this seriously," she said. "I feel like we need to take some action. I don`t know what type of action, b-, cause this is not what I do, but b- I`m scared," she concluded. She captioned the video as, "I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I`m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain`t going to say nothing much tho I don`t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW." View this post on Instagram I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I’m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain’t going to say nothing much tho I don’t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on Jan 16, 2019 at 2:41pm PST × This is not the first time that Cardi has spoken her mind. In March, the `Bodak Yellow` rapper posted another rant questioning where her tax dollars were going, reported People. The government closed on December 22, 2018, in the wake of Trump`s call for funding for a proposed billion-dollar southern border wall. Trump claimed that he needs the wall to stem a "crisis" of drugs, violence and human trafficking. However, Congressional Democrats, empowered by the midterms, have rejected that, stating a wall is ineffective and offering to negotiate about border security once the government reopens. The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in the history of the US. (With ANI inputs)

Cardi B slams Donald Trump amid government shutdown

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