The US government has decided to impose significant restrictions on India's 'Vande Bharat' evacuation mission. Starting 30 days from now all Air India repatriation flights will be required to approve prior approval from the US government.

US: Vande Bharat going beyond evacuation, Accuses India of unfair practices

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising possibilities with a plan to narrow further.

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising possibilities with a plan to narrow further. At an event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year and said his administration would mobilize its forces to get a vaccine distributed once one was in place. During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.” Unveiling details of “Operation Warp Speed”, Trump said: “That means big and it means fast. A massive scientific, industrial and logistical endeavour unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project.” He added: “Its objective is to finish developing and then manufacture and distribute a proven coronavirus vaccine as fast as possible. Again, we’d love to see if we can do it prior to the end of the year.” (With inputs from agencies)

US government will invest in top coronavirus vaccine candidates: Trump

A group claiming to be hackers from Iran breached the website of a little-known US government agency on Saturday and posted messages vowing revenge for Washington's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">killing of top military commander Qasem Soleimani</a>.

The website of the Federal Depository Library Program was replaced with a page titled "Iranian Hackers!" that displayed images of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian flag.

"Martyrdom was (Soleimani's)... reward for years of implacable efforts," read a graphic depicting US President Donald Trump being punched by a first emanating from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-punish-americans-wherever-they-are-within-its-reach-guards-commander-272154">Iran</a> as missiles fly by.

"With his departure and with God's power, his work and path will not cease and severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and blood of the other martyrs," it said.

"This is only small part of Iran's cyber ability !" another caption on the page read in white text on a black background.

The killing of Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq early Friday brought a furious vow of revenge from Tehran.

Described as the second most powerful man in Iran, Soleimani oversaw wide-ranging interventions in regional power struggles.

Trump has said Soleimani was planning an "imminent" attack on US personnel in Baghdad.

The president has warned that Washington is targeting 52 sites in Iran and will hit them "very fast and very hard" if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets.

A group claiming to be hackers from Iran breached the website of a little-known US government agency on Saturday and posted messages vowing revenge for Washington's killing of top military commander Qasem Soleimani.

A group claiming to be hackers from Iran breached the website of a little-known US government agency on Saturday and posted messages vowing revenge for Washington's killing of top military commander Qasem Soleimani. The website of the Federal Depository Library Program was replaced with a page titled "Iranian Hackers!" that displayed images of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian flag. "Martyrdom was (Soleimani's)... reward for years of implacable efforts," read a graphic depicting US President Donald Trump being punched by a first emanating from Iran as missiles fly by. "With his departure and with God's power, his work and path will not cease and severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and blood of the other martyrs," it said. "This is only small part of Iran's cyber ability !" another caption on the page read in white text on a black background. The killing of Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq early Friday brought a furious vow of revenge from Tehran. Described as the second most powerful man in Iran, Soleimani oversaw wide-ranging interventions in regional power struggles. Trump has said Soleimani was planning an "imminent" attack on US personnel in Baghdad. The president has warned that Washington is targeting 52 sites in Iran and will hit them "very fast and very hard" if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets.

Iranian hackers' claim breach of US government website

&nbsp;A&nbsp;California&nbsp;college student has&nbsp;accused&nbsp;popular video-sharing app&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-apologises-to-us-teen-for-removing-viral-eyelash-curling-video-264983">TikTok&nbsp;</a>in a class-action&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;of transferring private&nbsp;user&nbsp;data&nbsp;to servers in&nbsp;China, despite the company's assurances that it does not store personal&nbsp;data&nbsp;there.

The allegations may deepen legal troubles in the United States for&nbsp;TikTok, which is owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co but operates entirely outside of&nbsp;China&nbsp;and has developed an especially devoted fan base among US teenagers.

The company is already facing a US&nbsp;government national security probe over concerns about&nbsp;data&nbsp;storage and possible censorship of politically sensitive content.

The&nbsp;lawsuit, filed in the US&nbsp;District Court for the Northern District of&nbsp;California&nbsp;last Wednesday and originally reported by The Daily Beast, alleges&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;has surreptitiously "vacuumed up and transferred to servers in&nbsp;China&nbsp;vast quantities of private and personally-identifiable&nbsp;user&nbsp;data."

TikTok&nbsp;did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations but maintains that it stores all US&nbsp;user&nbsp;data&nbsp;in the United States with backups in Singapore.

The documents identify the plaintiff as Misty Hong, a college student and resident of Palo Alto,&nbsp;California, who downloaded the&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;app in March or April 2019 but never created an account.

Months later, she alleges, she discovered that&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;had created an account for her without her knowledge and produced a dossier of private information about her, including biometric information gleaned from videos she created but never posted.

According to the filing,&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;transferred&nbsp;user&nbsp;data&nbsp;to two servers in&nbsp;China&nbsp;bugly.qq.com, and umeng.com as recently as April 2019, including information about the&nbsp;user's device and any websites the&nbsp;user&nbsp;had visited.

Bugly is owned by Tencent,&nbsp;China's largest mobile software company, which also owns social network WeChat, while Umeng is part of Chinese e-commerce giant<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibabas-hong-kong-shares-rise-66-on-debut-in-heavy-volume-264639"> Alibaba Group</a>.

The&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;also claims that source code from Chinese tech giant Baidu is embedded within the&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;app, as is code from Igexin, a Chinese advertising service, which security researchers discovered in 2017 was enabling developers to install spyware on a&nbsp;user's phone.

The legal documents did not provide evidence of the&nbsp;data&nbsp;transfers or the existence of Baidu or Igexin source code in the app. Hong and her legal representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

A California college student has accused popular video-sharing app TikTok in a class-action lawsuit of transferring private user data to servers in China, despite the company's assurances that it does not store personal data there.

A California college student has accused popular video-sharing app TikTok in a class-action lawsuit of transferring private user data to servers in China, despite the company's assurances that it does not store personal data there. The allegations may deepen legal troubles in the United States for TikTok, which is owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co but operates entirely outside of China and has developed an especially devoted fan base among US teenagers. The company is already facing a US government national security probe over concerns about data storage and possible censorship of politically sensitive content. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California last Wednesday and originally reported by The Daily Beast, alleges TikTok has surreptitiously "vacuumed up and transferred to servers in China vast quantities of private and personally-identifiable user data." TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations but maintains that it stores all US user data in the United States with backups in Singapore. The documents identify the plaintiff as Misty Hong, a college student and resident of Palo Alto, California, who downloaded the TikTok app in March or April 2019 but never created an account. Months later, she alleges, she discovered that TikTok had created an account for her without her knowledge and produced a dossier of private information about her, including biometric information gleaned from videos she created but never posted. According to the filing, TikTok transferred user data to two servers in China bugly.qq.com, and umeng.com as recently as April 2019, including information about the user's device and any websites the user had visited. Bugly is owned by Tencent, China's largest mobile software company, which also owns social network WeChat, while Umeng is part of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. The lawsuit also claims that source code from Chinese tech giant Baidu is embedded within the TikTok app, as is code from Igexin, a Chinese advertising service, which security researchers discovered in 2017 was enabling developers to install spyware on a user's phone. The legal documents did not provide evidence of the data transfers or the existence of Baidu or Igexin source code in the app. Hong and her legal representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

TikTok accused of sending user data to China in California lawsuit

From US to India, It's end of road for e-cigarettes

Nearly 1,000 migrant children have been separated from their families at the US-Mexico border in the last year despite a judge's order for President Donald Trump's administration to stop the practice, a top rights group said Tuesday.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said in a court filing in San Diego that the administration was accusing parents of minor criminal activity — including traffic violations — and neglect to continue separating children at the border.

One example involved a father whose one-year-old daughter was taken from him because he failed to change her diaper.

Another case concerned a three-year-old girl separated from her father on the grounds he could not prove he was a parent. The family took a DNA test that confirmed paternity, but meanwhile, the child was sexually abused while in detention, according to the court filing.

Another four-year-old boy was separated because his father had a speech impediment that prevented him from answering questions by Border Patrol agents, the complaint said.

"It is shocking that the Trump administration continues to take babies from their parents," said Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the ACLU.

"Over 900 more families join the thousands of others previously torn apart by this cruel and illegal policy," he added. "The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order over infractions like minor traffic violations."

Trump's administration began separating children from their parents in May of last year as part of a "zero tolerance" policy toward migrants who illegally cross the border.

But six weeks into the practice that prompted a domestic and international outcry, Trump reversed course and announced that his administration would stop separating families unless the parents pose "a risk" to their child.

A federal judge then issued an order for an estimated 2,700 children taken during those six weeks to be reunited with their parents.

The Trump administration has said that it now separates children from their parents only if the adults pose a risk.&nbsp;

But the ACLU says that only a small number of the more than 900 children taken from their parents since June of last year were at risk and have deplored the conditions in which the youngsters are held.

In one case, the ACLU complaint says, a father was separated from his three young daughters after being diagnosed with HIV.

It added that of particular concern was that the ongoing separations involve very young children, 20 per cent of them under the age of five.

"The impact of separation can be particularly devastating for young children," the complaint said, urging the court to clarify the standard by which children can be separated from their parents.

Nearly 1,000 migrant children have been separated from their families at the US-Mexico border in the last year despite a judge's order for President Donald Trump's administration to stop the practice, a top rights group said Tuesday.

Nearly 1,000 migrant children have been separated from their families at the US-Mexico border in the last year despite a judge's order for President Donald Trump's administration to stop the practice, a top rights group said Tuesday. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said in a court filing in San Diego that the administration was accusing parents of minor criminal activity — including traffic violations — and neglect to continue separating children at the border. One example involved a father whose one-year-old daughter was taken from him because he failed to change her diaper. Another case concerned a three-year-old girl separated from her father on the grounds he could not prove he was a parent. The family took a DNA test that confirmed paternity, but meanwhile, the child was sexually abused while in detention, according to the court filing. Another four-year-old boy was separated because his father had a speech impediment that prevented him from answering questions by Border Patrol agents, the complaint said. "It is shocking that the Trump administration continues to take babies from their parents," said Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the ACLU. "Over 900 more families join the thousands of others previously torn apart by this cruel and illegal policy," he added. "The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order over infractions like minor traffic violations." Trump's administration began separating children from their parents in May of last year as part of a "zero tolerance" policy toward migrants who illegally cross the border. But six weeks into the practice that prompted a domestic and international outcry, Trump reversed course and announced that his administration would stop separating families unless the parents pose "a risk" to their child. A federal judge then issued an order for an estimated 2,700 children taken during those six weeks to be reunited with their parents. The Trump administration has said that it now separates children from their parents only if the adults pose a risk. But the ACLU says that only a small number of the more than 900 children taken from their parents since June of last year were at risk and have deplored the conditions in which the youngsters are held. In one case, the ACLU complaint says, a father was separated from his three young daughters after being diagnosed with HIV. It added that of particular concern was that the ongoing separations involve very young children, 20 per cent of them under the age of five. "The impact of separation can be particularly devastating for young children," the complaint said, urging the court to clarify the standard by which children can be separated from their parents.

Nearly 1,000 migrant children separated from parents by US government in last year

United States's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday issued a warning to US government about risk of running out cash as early as September, reports said.

Mnuchin in a letter addressed to House of representative Nancy Pelosi, said, "there is a scenario in which we run out cash in early September before Congress reconvenes."

"As such, I request that Congress increase the debt ceiling before Congress leaves for summer recess," Mnuchin added in the letter.

Meanwhile, Pelosi and Mnuchin on Tuesday discussed ways to reach agreement on extending US borrowing authority and spending limits for the 2020 fiscal year that begins on October 1.

A Pelosi spokesman said the 20-minute telephone conversation was productive and the two plan to speak again on Wednesday.

According to a report, both will again speak on call over the weekend.

By September or October, the Treasury Department could exhaust its current borrowing authority, adding pressure on Congress and the Trump administration to reach a deal on a new extension.

Congress is scheduled to be in recess through almost all of August and the first week of September, raising questions about whether a debt limit and spending deal can be enacted before the break.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday issued a warning to US government about risk of running out cash as early as September, reports said.

United States's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday issued a warning to US government about risk of running out cash as early as September, reports said. Mnuchin in a letter addressed to House of representative Nancy Pelosi, said, "there is a scenario in which we run out cash in early September before Congress reconvenes." "As such, I request that Congress increase the debt ceiling before Congress leaves for summer recess," Mnuchin added in the letter. Meanwhile, Pelosi and Mnuchin on Tuesday discussed ways to reach agreement on extending US borrowing authority and spending limits for the 2020 fiscal year that begins on October 1. A Pelosi spokesman said the 20-minute telephone conversation was productive and the two plan to speak again on Wednesday. According to a report, both will again speak on call over the weekend. By September or October, the Treasury Department could exhaust its current borrowing authority, adding pressure on Congress and the Trump administration to reach a deal on a new extension. Congress is scheduled to be in recess through almost all of August and the first week of September, raising questions about whether a debt limit and spending deal can be enacted before the break. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to soon run out cash: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin

In The Trump Universe, Policies Are Made On A Daily Basis. Has Trump's Style Of Working Left US Government Exposed? A Policy A Day Over Twitter Is Not How Most World Leaders Function. But Then US President Trump Is Not Any World Leader. His Tenure Has Been Shrouded With Overlooking Advisors, Changing Foreign Policy Decisions At A Drop Of A Hat And Being Distrustful Of Allies And Global Forums. Has Trump Left The U.s. Government Handicapped? Is There A Method To The Madness? Here's A Report

Gravitas: Trump's Foreign Policy Full Of Contradictions?

Huawei's chief legal advisor said on Wednesday that the US blacklisting of Huawei has set a "dangerous precedent" for companies around the world. Huawei on Tuesday filed a motion for summary judgement in its lawsuit against the US government, the telecoms equipment maker's latest attempt to fight sanctions from Washington that threaten to push it out of global markets.

Huawei says US blacklisting sets 'dangerous precedent'

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-warns-us-china-trade-war-will-jeopardize-2019-global-growth-221117"> trade war between Beijing and Washington </a>has stoked concern in financial markets that China might opt to weaponise its holdings of more than $1.1 trillion worth of US&nbsp;Treasuries in retaliation for the tariffs the Trump administration has imposed on Chinese imports.

Often referred to as the "nuclear option," choosing to dump so large a pool of assets would likely destabilise world financial markets, drive interest rates higher and push tensions between the world's two largest economies into uncharted territory.

China has been slimming its Treasury securities portfolio for some time, but most analysts see an aggressive reduction of its holdings as a remote possibility at most. There is no evidence Beijing is seriously looking to flood markets with its US&nbsp;bonds.

Here are some key points about China's Treasuries portfolio:

How much US debt does Chins own?

About a decade ago, China overtook Japan as the largest foreign holder of US&nbsp;government debt.

Its holdings stood at more than $1.12 trillion at the end of March, according to US&nbsp;Treasury Department data. Japan is a close second with nearly $1.08 trillion.

China's holdings peaked in late 2013 at nearly $1.32 trillion and have come down by about 15% since then. In March they were the lowest in about two years.

Its share of the Treasury market has fallen even faster, due to the steady issuance of US&nbsp;debt required to finance the growing federal budget deficit.

The world's second-biggest economy owns about 7% of the $16.18 trillion of US&nbsp;public debt outstanding, its lowest share in 14 years, and down from a peak of 14% in 2011. Still, its slice of the pie is exceeded only by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve, which owns $2.15 trillion of Treasuries, or 13.5% of the market.

Treasury issuance is expected to keep accelerating following a massive tax cut enacted in December 2017, so China's share of the market will likely drop even further.

Why does China own so much US debt?

As a net exporter to the United States and the rest of the world, China has the world's largest stash of foreign-exchange reserves at more than $3 trillion. Much of that is denominated in US dollars accumulated through its persistent trade surplus with the United States since the early 1990s.

A natural place for China to park a lot of those greenbacks is the US&nbsp;Treasury market, which is by far the largest and most liquid pool of safe assets in the world.

Also, since the financial crisis of 2007-2009, US&nbsp;Treasuries have consistently yielded more than bonds issued by other large developed economies such as Japan and Germany, which has been another lure.

What is the risk to the United States if China sells?

Most analysts agree that large-scale selling by Beijing would disrupt the Treasury market and other markets.

An abrupt shift in the balance of supply and demand could drive down Treasury prices, and drive up their yields, which move in the opposite direction to prices. That would cause a spike in borrowing costs for the US government.

Also, because Treasury yields are a benchmark for US&nbsp;consumer and business credit, interest rates on everything from corporate bonds to homeowners' mortgages would rise, likely slowing the economy.

Such a jarring move would also erode global investors' confidence in the US&nbsp;dollar as the world's top reserve currency.

What is the risk to China if IT dumbs treasures?

Most analysts argue China has not opted to sell Uncle Sam's IOUs because a nosedive in US&nbsp;bond prices also would bring down the value of China's remaining Treasury holdings.

Also, China's currency, the yuan, is not fully free floating. Beijing uses its Treasury holdings as a key tool to stabilise the yuan within a targeted range, against the dollar in particular.

Some critics have alleged China uses Treasuries and its other currency reserves to hold down the yuan, making its exports more attractive. At the same time, allowing the currency to cheapen too many risks other problems, such as foreign capital flight.

Any sharp depreciation in the greenback might force Beijing to defend the yuan, which may mean shedding more of its Treasuries stake. Back in 2016, China's Treasuries holdings fell sharply by some $200 billion from May to November of that year as the yuan depreciated on worries about the Chinese economy.

Lastly, any knock-on effect in the US&nbsp;economy would also be felt in China because the United States is the destination for nearly a fifth of Chinese exports.

The trade war between Beijing and Washington has stoked concern in financial markets that China might opt to weaponise its holdings of more than $1.1 trillion worth of US Treasuries in retaliation for the tariffs the Trump administration has imposed on Chinese imports.

The trade war between Beijing and Washington has stoked concern in financial markets that China might opt to weaponise its holdings of more than $1.1 trillion worth of US Treasuries in retaliation for the tariffs the Trump administration has imposed on Chinese imports. Often referred to as the "nuclear option," choosing to dump so large a pool of assets would likely destabilise world financial markets, drive interest rates higher and push tensions between the world's two largest economies into uncharted territory. China has been slimming its Treasury securities portfolio for some time, but most analysts see an aggressive reduction of its holdings as a remote possibility at most. There is no evidence Beijing is seriously looking to flood markets with its US bonds. Here are some key points about China's Treasuries portfolio: How much US debt does Chins own? About a decade ago, China overtook Japan as the largest foreign holder of US government debt. Its holdings stood at more than $1.12 trillion at the end of March, according to US Treasury Department data. Japan is a close second with nearly $1.08 trillion. China's holdings peaked in late 2013 at nearly $1.32 trillion and have come down by about 15% since then. In March they were the lowest in about two years. Its share of the Treasury market has fallen even faster, due to the steady issuance of US debt required to finance the growing federal budget deficit. The world's second-biggest economy owns about 7% of the $16.18 trillion of US public debt outstanding, its lowest share in 14 years, and down from a peak of 14% in 2011. Still, its slice of the pie is exceeded only by the US Federal Reserve, which owns $2.15 trillion of Treasuries, or 13.5% of the market. Treasury issuance is expected to keep accelerating following a massive tax cut enacted in December 2017, so China's share of the market will likely drop even further. Why does China own so much US debt? As a net exporter to the United States and the rest of the world, China has the world's largest stash of foreign-exchange reserves at more than $3 trillion. Much of that is denominated in US dollars accumulated through its persistent trade surplus with the United States since the early 1990s. A natural place for China to park a lot of those greenbacks is the US Treasury market, which is by far the largest and most liquid pool of safe assets in the world. Also, since the financial crisis of 2007-2009, US Treasuries have consistently yielded more than bonds issued by other large developed economies such as Japan and Germany, which has been another lure. What is the risk to the United States if China sells? Most analysts agree that large-scale selling by Beijing would disrupt the Treasury market and other markets. An abrupt shift in the balance of supply and demand could drive down Treasury prices, and drive up their yields, which move in the opposite direction to prices. That would cause a spike in borrowing costs for the US government. Also, because Treasury yields are a benchmark for US consumer and business credit, interest rates on everything from corporate bonds to homeowners' mortgages would rise, likely slowing the economy. Such a jarring move would also erode global investors' confidence in the US dollar as the world's top reserve currency. What is the risk to China if IT dumbs treasures? Most analysts argue China has not opted to sell Uncle Sam's IOUs because a nosedive in US bond prices also would bring down the value of China's remaining Treasury holdings. Also, China's currency, the yuan, is not fully free floating. Beijing uses its Treasury holdings as a key tool to stabilise the yuan within a targeted range, against the dollar in particular. Some critics have alleged China uses Treasuries and its other currency reserves to hold down the yuan, making its exports more attractive. At the same time, allowing the currency to cheapen too many risks other problems, such as foreign capital flight. Any sharp depreciation in the greenback might force Beijing to defend the yuan, which may mean shedding more of its Treasuries stake. Back in 2016, China's Treasuries holdings fell sharply by some $200 billion from May to November of that year as the yuan depreciated on worries about the Chinese economy. Lastly, any knock-on effect in the US economy would also be felt in China because the United States is the destination for nearly a fifth of Chinese exports.

Will China dump US bonds as a trade weapon? Not so fast

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 18th, 2019

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order this week barring U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China’s Huawei. Watch full video to know more.

US President Donald Trump expected to sign order paving way for U.S. telecoms ban on Huawei

President Donald Trump said it would be wise for China to “act now” to finish a trade deal with the U.S., warning that “far worse” terms would be on offer for them after what he predicted would be his certain re-election in 2020.

Trump warns China to strike a Trade Deal or Face Worse Terms

Venezuelan President continues to blame the United States and has called US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, 'a liar'. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuelan President hits out at US secretary of state

The US has ordered tariff hikes on all imports from China. Watch the full video to know more.

US orders tariff hike on all imports from China

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 11th, 2019

Even after Iran has survived decades of US sanctions, its policy is still under scanner. Watch the full video to know more.

Iran policy under the scanner

According to the US media reports, President Donald Trump is exaggerating Iran Threat. Watch full video to know more.

Is US spoiling for a fight with Iran?

US Attorney General William Barr has said he will not meet with the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee to testify on his handling of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.Watch full video to know more.

US Attorney General William Barr cancels second day of testimony

A democrat senator mocked William Barr after attorney general refuses to appear at hearing on the Mueller report. Watch full video to know more.

Democrats mock William Barr after attorney general refuses to appear at Mueller report hearing

The House Judiciary Committee has been informed that Attorney General Bill Barr will not testify at a planned hearing. Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: William Barr skips house testimony

After the Mueller Report was made public, we ask Is it a clean chit or is it politically damaging for Trump? Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: Is it a clean chit for Donald Trump?

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 20th, 2019

The Kremlin argued on Friday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report has not offered any credible evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Watch full video to know more.

Kremlin: Mueller report has 'no reasonable proof'

China's Huawei is preparing to file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas to sue the United States government for banning federal agencies from using the company's products, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The lawyers for Huawei's Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou sued the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huaweis-cfo-meng-wanzhou-sues-canada-for-violating-her-constitutional-rights-during-arrest-200965"> Canadian government,</a> its border agency and federal police on Sunday, alleging their client was detained, searched and interrogated for three hours in violation of her constitutional rights.

Huawei declined to comment on the NYT report.

China's Huawei is preparing to file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas to sue the United States government for banning federal agencies from using the company's products, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

China's Huawei is preparing to file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas to sue the United States government for banning federal agencies from using the company's products, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The lawyers for Huawei's Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou sued the Canadian government, its border agency and federal police on Sunday, alleging their client was detained, searched and interrogated for three hours in violation of her constitutional rights. Huawei declined to comment on the NYT report.

Huawei said to be preparing to sue US government: Report

US government agencies that had largely shuttered operations for five weeks during a budget standoff said on Saturday they were moving swiftly to resume operations and compensate employees for missed paychecks.

The White House held a conference call with Cabinet department financial officers late Friday to discuss the resumption of government operations, while agencies began to grapple with a backlog of management and policy issues.

The partial government shutdown - at 35 days the longest in US&nbsp;history - led to some 800,000 federal workers going unpaid, including 380,000 furloughed workers.

President Donald Trump on Friday signed a measure to fund the government for three weeks as congressional negotiators try to hammer out a bill to fund the federal government through Sept. 30. Trump had demanded $5.7 billion in funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democratic legislators refused to include the money.

The White House Office of Management and Budget's acting chief, Russell Vought, told agencies in a memo to reopen "in a prompt and orderly manner."

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb wrote Saturday on Twitter that the agency would send back pay to staffers no later than Thursday.

Gottlieb told employees the FDA would hold an all-hands meeting on Tuesday. "There will be impacts from this prolonged lapse in funding," he wrote. "But this agency has always faced challenge."

The Coast Guard told personnel it was "working through the weekend to process your pay as quickly as possible" and said back pay should be received by Thursday.

Federal workers are owed about $6 billion in back pay, according to a study released last week.

It will take agencies days to dig out from weeks of unread emails and deal with other logistical issues like expired email passwords or ID badges, agency officials said. Furloughed workers were told not to read emails or answer phone calls while off duty.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) asked employees for "patience and attention, especially during the first 48 hours," noting that the vast majority of employees' laptops and smartphones have been inactive for more than a month and have not had "critical, regularly scheduled maintenance."

During the shutdown, some government agencies did not complete contracts for grants, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stopped reviewing and making public new auto safety recalls, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stopped certifying some new aircraft and routes.

The Smithsonian Institution said museums in Washington and the National Zoo will reopen on Tuesday. In Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park - which includes a center that houses the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence - reopened on Saturday. Other sites are reopening on Sunday, including Ford's Theatre in Washington.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton said on Saturday in a statement that the agency is "continuing to assess how to most effectively transition to normal operations."

He said some SEC units, including those devoted to corporate finance, trading and markets, and investment management and the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, "will be publishing statements in the coming days regarding their transition plans."

The SEC has been unable to approve initial public offerings during the shutdown, and some analysts had suggested the issue could delay IPOs in 2019.

It will take the Federal Register, which publishes government regulatory actions, weeks to catch up with the backlog of documents, which will delay the start of public comments on some proposals.

The shutdown is also likely to delay the rollout of Trump's 2020 budget proposal and congressional hearings on the budget. It is not clear when Trump will deliver his State of the Union Address, but one administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Saturday it is not likely to be until February.

US government agencies that had largely shuttered operations for five weeks during a budget standoff said on Saturday they were moving swiftly to resume operations and compensate employees for missed paychecks.

US government agencies that had largely shuttered operations for five weeks during a budget standoff said on Saturday they were moving swiftly to resume operations and compensate employees for missed paychecks. The White House held a conference call with Cabinet department financial officers late Friday to discuss the resumption of government operations, while agencies began to grapple with a backlog of management and policy issues. The partial government shutdown - at 35 days the longest in US history - led to some 800,000 federal workers going unpaid, including 380,000 furloughed workers. President Donald Trump on Friday signed a measure to fund the government for three weeks as congressional negotiators try to hammer out a bill to fund the federal government through Sept. 30. Trump had demanded $5.7 billion in funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democratic legislators refused to include the money. The White House Office of Management and Budget's acting chief, Russell Vought, told agencies in a memo to reopen "in a prompt and orderly manner." Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb wrote Saturday on Twitter that the agency would send back pay to staffers no later than Thursday. Gottlieb told employees the FDA would hold an all-hands meeting on Tuesday. "There will be impacts from this prolonged lapse in funding," he wrote. "But this agency has always faced challenge." The Coast Guard told personnel it was "working through the weekend to process your pay as quickly as possible" and said back pay should be received by Thursday. Federal workers are owed about $6 billion in back pay, according to a study released last week. It will take agencies days to dig out from weeks of unread emails and deal with other logistical issues like expired email passwords or ID badges, agency officials said. Furloughed workers were told not to read emails or answer phone calls while off duty. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) asked employees for "patience and attention, especially during the first 48 hours," noting that the vast majority of employees' laptops and smartphones have been inactive for more than a month and have not had "critical, regularly scheduled maintenance." During the shutdown, some government agencies did not complete contracts for grants, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stopped reviewing and making public new auto safety recalls, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stopped certifying some new aircraft and routes. The Smithsonian Institution said museums in Washington and the National Zoo will reopen on Tuesday. In Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park - which includes a center that houses the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence - reopened on Saturday. Other sites are reopening on Sunday, including Ford's Theatre in Washington. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton said on Saturday in a statement that the agency is "continuing to assess how to most effectively transition to normal operations." He said some SEC units, including those devoted to corporate finance, trading and markets, and investment management and the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, "will be publishing statements in the coming days regarding their transition plans." The SEC has been unable to approve initial public offerings during the shutdown, and some analysts had suggested the issue could delay IPOs in 2019. It will take the Federal Register, which publishes government regulatory actions, weeks to catch up with the backlog of documents, which will delay the start of public comments on some proposals. The shutdown is also likely to delay the rollout of Trump's 2020 budget proposal and congressional hearings on the budget. It is not clear when Trump will deliver his State of the Union Address, but one administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Saturday it is not likely to be until February.

Government agencies gear up to restart operations on Monday after longest shutdown in US history

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

The legislative deadlock left Congress and the president red-faced and adrift as thousands of federal workers, some reliant on food banks to make ends meet, are about to miss a second paycheck.

But shortly after the votes, a possible way out of the deepening crisis began to take shape, when Senate leaders huddled in private to discuss a proposal to fund lapsed federal agencies for three weeks, to allow for negotiations over border security.

Asked if he would support the plan, discussed in private by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, Trump was noncommittal, saying he would still want funding for his wall.

"If they come to a reasonable agreement, I would support it," he said, but added: "We have to have a wall in this country."

Trump had backed a Senate measure which would have reopened the government, funded the wall and included some immigration policy changes. It earned 50 votes to 47 against, but it needed 60 to advance.

A competing proposal by Senate Democrats that would open government through February 8 without funding Trump's wall, and leave room for border security negotiations, also failed to move forward by a similar tally.

Trump was already smarting, after being forced into shelving his annual State of the Union address by top Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, until the government is fully operational.

Though politically bruised, Trump stood firm on his demand for billions of dollars in funding for a border wall as part of an overall budget package. 
"We will not Cave!" he tweeted at Pelosi before the Senate votes.

The shutdown is now in its 34th day, with some 800,000 federal workers left unpaid across the country and in US installations abroad -- and the knock-on effects affecting millions more. As acrimony in Washington grew, lawmakers across the political spectrum were left scrambling for an exit strategy for the longest-ever halt to federal operations.

"I don't know what's going to happen next. Nobody knows," warned Senate Republican Richard Shelby. But Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator who often has the president's year, said he discussed with Trump the new proposal gaining traction: a continuing resolution that funds government for three weeks.

"All of us believe that if we had three weeks with the government open, with all the discord coming from a shutdown, that we could find a way forward to produce a bill that he would sign," Graham said on the Senate floor. He added in a tweet that Democratic priorities for disaster relief were also included, "showing good faith from both sides".

The White House stressed the need for at least some money for Trump's border plan. "The three-week CR would only work if there is a large down payment on the wall," press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Trump has repeatedly called for $5.7 billion in border wall funding, a demand consistently rejected by Democrats including Pelosi. Shortly before the Senate vote she urged Republicans to back the Democratic bid to temporarily open lapsed agencies, allowing for a border security negotiation to proceed. 
"Who can say no to that?" she said. But many did say no, it turns out.

Senator Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, was one of a handful of Republicans who voted for both bills, and he called on congressional leaders and the White House to thrash out their differences quickly. "We can't just have the lack of communication that prevents us from getting to a deal," Romney told reporters.

The air travel industry issued dire warnings, including one from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. "In our risk-averse industry, we cannot even calculate the level of risk currently at play, nor predict the point at which the entire system will break," NATCA president Paul Rinaldi said in a statement. "It is unprecedented."

Most Democrats oppose direct funds for wall construction, but some have begun publicly advocating for negotiating a solution that includes boosted border funding, including for border structures.

And Pelosi herself said Thursday that "we will have some of our proposals for what comes next" in upcoming legislation offerings.

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security. The legislative deadlock left Congress and the president red-faced and adrift as thousands of federal workers, some reliant on food banks to make ends meet, are about to miss a second paycheck. But shortly after the votes, a possible way out of the deepening crisis began to take shape, when Senate leaders huddled in private to discuss a proposal to fund lapsed federal agencies for three weeks, to allow for negotiations over border security. Asked if he would support the plan, discussed in private by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, Trump was noncommittal, saying he would still want funding for his wall. "If they come to a reasonable agreement, I would support it," he said, but added: "We have to have a wall in this country." Trump had backed a Senate measure which would have reopened the government, funded the wall and included some immigration policy changes. It earned 50 votes to 47 against, but it needed 60 to advance. A competing proposal by Senate Democrats that would open government through February 8 without funding Trump's wall, and leave room for border security negotiations, also failed to move forward by a similar tally. Trump was already smarting, after being forced into shelving his annual State of the Union address by top Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, until the government is fully operational. Though politically bruised, Trump stood firm on his demand for billions of dollars in funding for a border wall as part of an overall budget package. "We will not Cave!" he tweeted at Pelosi before the Senate votes. The shutdown is now in its 34th day, with some 800,000 federal workers left unpaid across the country and in US installations abroad -- and the knock-on effects affecting millions more. As acrimony in Washington grew, lawmakers across the political spectrum were left scrambling for an exit strategy for the longest-ever halt to federal operations. "I don't know what's going to happen next. Nobody knows," warned Senate Republican Richard Shelby. But Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator who often has the president's year, said he discussed with Trump the new proposal gaining traction: a continuing resolution that funds government for three weeks. "All of us believe that if we had three weeks with the government open, with all the discord coming from a shutdown, that we could find a way forward to produce a bill that he would sign," Graham said on the Senate floor. He added in a tweet that Democratic priorities for disaster relief were also included, "showing good faith from both sides". The White House stressed the need for at least some money for Trump's border plan. "The three-week CR would only work if there is a large down payment on the wall," press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Trump has repeatedly called for $5.7 billion in border wall funding, a demand consistently rejected by Democrats including Pelosi. Shortly before the Senate vote she urged Republicans to back the Democratic bid to temporarily open lapsed agencies, allowing for a border security negotiation to proceed. "Who can say no to that?" she said. But many did say no, it turns out. Senator Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, was one of a handful of Republicans who voted for both bills, and he called on congressional leaders and the White House to thrash out their differences quickly. "We can't just have the lack of communication that prevents us from getting to a deal," Romney told reporters. The air travel industry issued dire warnings, including one from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. "In our risk-averse industry, we cannot even calculate the level of risk currently at play, nor predict the point at which the entire system will break," NATCA president Paul Rinaldi said in a statement. "It is unprecedented." Most Democrats oppose direct funds for wall construction, but some have begun publicly advocating for negotiating a solution that includes boosted border funding, including for border structures. And Pelosi herself said Thursday that "we will have some of our proposals for what comes next" in upcoming legislation offerings.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-trump-anytime-over-government-shutdown-nancy-pelosi-192580">President Donald Trump</a> could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents.

The draft proclamation was updated as early as last week, a US government official told CNN. CNN said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-do-the-address-when-shutdown-is-over-trump-192426">Trump's advisers</a> remain divided on the issue.

The report comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced an amendment in the Senate that would temporarily open the US government, which has been partially shut for a record 34 days over Trump's demand for wall funding.

One senator said, however, he did not think the measure contained any wall funding.

Trump has insisted on $5.7 billion for a wall, an idea that was central to his electoral bid and a core part of his hardline policies on illegal immigration.&nbsp;

Democrats have rejected his request, and have instead sought to provide funds for other border security measures.

The official told CNN that among options being considered to pay for a wall were pulling $681 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund, $3.6 billion from military construction funding, $3 billion in Pentagon civil works funds and $200 million in Department of Homeland Security funds.

"We’re looking at all our options" but nothing is imminent, a senior Trump administration official said when asked about the report. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a separate request from Reuters for comment.

If an emergency is declared, the US Army Corps of Engineers would construct the wall, CNN reported.

The documents say that environmental reviews could be skipped and that DHS could use waivers to bypass contracting laws, which could help speed construction.

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that President Donald Trump could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents.

The White House is preparing an emergency declaration that President Donald Trump could issue as a way to circumvent Congress if lawmakers do not provide funding for a wall along the US southern border, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents. The draft proclamation was updated as early as last week, a US government official told CNN. CNN said Trump's advisers remain divided on the issue. The report comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced an amendment in the Senate that would temporarily open the US government, which has been partially shut for a record 34 days over Trump's demand for wall funding. One senator said, however, he did not think the measure contained any wall funding. Trump has insisted on $5.7 billion for a wall, an idea that was central to his electoral bid and a core part of his hardline policies on illegal immigration. Democrats have rejected his request, and have instead sought to provide funds for other border security measures. The official told CNN that among options being considered to pay for a wall were pulling $681 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund, $3.6 billion from military construction funding, $3 billion in Pentagon civil works funds and $200 million in Department of Homeland Security funds. "We’re looking at all our options" but nothing is imminent, a senior Trump administration official said when asked about the report. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a separate request from Reuters for comment. If an emergency is declared, the US Army Corps of Engineers would construct the wall, CNN reported. The documents say that environmental reviews could be skipped and that DHS could use waivers to bypass contracting laws, which could help speed construction.

White House drafts emergency order that Trump could issue over wall funds: Report

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday.

The Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the agency had identified many more children in addition to the 2,737 that were included as part of a class action lawsuit challenging the separations brought by the American Civil Liberties Union last year.

The administration of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rigging-polls-was-at-the-direction-sole-benefit-of-trump-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-191059">President Donald Trump</a> implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy to criminally prosecute and jail all illegal border crossers even those travelling with their children, leading to a wave of separations last year.

But the auditor said in a report that prior to the officially announced policy the government had ramped up separations for other reasons related to a child's safety and well-being, including separating parents with criminal records or lack of proper documents. Those separations were only tracked informally, making it impossible for the auditor to know the exact number.

The policy sparked outrage when it became public, and the backlash led Trump to sign an executive order reversing course on June 20.

But separations have continued since then, the report said. HHS, which runs the Office of Refugee Resettlement that is responsible for the children's care, told the auditor that at least 118 had been separated between July 1 and November 7, 2018.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that 65 of those 118 children were separated because the parents had a criminal history but in some cases the agency did not provide the details of that history.

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report's findings.

The auditor raised concerns that the government is still not adequately counting separation cases.

"It is not yet clear whether recent changes to ORR's systems and processes are sufficient to ensure consistent and accurate data about separated children," the report said.

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday.

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday. The Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the agency had identified many more children in addition to the 2,737 that were included as part of a class action lawsuit challenging the separations brought by the American Civil Liberties Union last year. The administration of President Donald Trump implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy to criminally prosecute and jail all illegal border crossers even those travelling with their children, leading to a wave of separations last year. But the auditor said in a report that prior to the officially announced policy the government had ramped up separations for other reasons related to a child's safety and well-being, including separating parents with criminal records or lack of proper documents. Those separations were only tracked informally, making it impossible for the auditor to know the exact number. The policy sparked outrage when it became public, and the backlash led Trump to sign an executive order reversing course on June 20. But separations have continued since then, the report said. HHS, which runs the Office of Refugee Resettlement that is responsible for the children's care, told the auditor that at least 118 had been separated between July 1 and November 7, 2018. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that 65 of those 118 children were separated because the parents had a criminal history but in some cases the agency did not provide the details of that history. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report's findings. The auditor raised concerns that the government is still not adequately counting separation cases. "It is not yet clear whether recent changes to ORR's systems and processes are sufficient to ensure consistent and accurate data about separated children," the report said.

US separated 'thousands' more immigrant children: Watchdog

The longest<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-hopes-for-imminent-end-to-us-government-shutdown-190082&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj_uPef5_HfAhULq48KHQVpCXoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sv2mLJznc4v3IkEgQluTW"> US government shutdown</a> in history reached its 25th day on Tuesday, with most of the 800,000 employees who have been furloughed or are working without pay having missed their first paychecks last week.

The White House and congressional Democrats remain divided over Republican <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stops-short-of-emergency-declaration-in-border-wall-fight-189699&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwijhu2-5_HfAhUPSY8KHa9TARsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RncalnvrSrpTlEI4KO3sE">President Donald Trump</a>'s demand for money for a border wall.

The shutdown, which began on December 22, is the 19th since the mid-1970s, although most have been brief. A 1995-1996 shutdown over a funding battle between Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich lasted 21 days. The current one has not affected three-quarters of the government, including the Department of Defense and the Postal Service, which have secure funding.&nbsp;

But some 800,000 employees from the departments of Homeland Security and Transportation, among others, have been furloughed or are working without pay. Private contractors working for many government agencies are also without pay and private companies that rely on business from federal workers or other consumers - such as national park visitors - are affected across the country.&nbsp;

The following is what is happening around the federal government:

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE&nbsp;

Nearly 70,000 IRS employees, or about 88 per cent of the workforce, have been furloughed, raising concerns about American taxpayer filings and refunds and the ability of the agency to manage government revenues ahead of the April 15 income tax filing deadline.&nbsp;

The US Internal Revenue Service said on Tuesday it intended to bring back more than 46,000 furloughed workers to process annual tax returns and refunds and other tasks.

HOMELAND SECURITY

The department that oversees Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service are affected.

Of 245,000 agency employees, nearly 213,000 have been deemed "essential," according to the department`s contingency plan, so they are working without pay until a funding bill is passed.&nbsp;

More than 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, but Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about some transportation employees failing to show up for work or calling in sick.&nbsp;

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)

Most of the department's 7,500 employees are "non-essential" and only about 340 are working. Nearly 1,000 others may be called in for specific tasks, without pay.

The shutdown has left administration officials scrambling to prevent the eviction of thousands of people covered by a HUD program that expired on January 1 and now cannot be renewed, according to the Washington Post. 
&nbsp; 
Public housing authorities and Native American tribal housing entities are not part of the federal government and so are not required to shut down. But the federal government provides some of their funding, so some have reduced services or changed operating hours.

HUD, which oversees some housing loan and low-income housing payment programs, warned that a protracted shutdown could result in a decline in home sales.&nbsp;

INTERIOR

The Interior Department intends to temporarily recall some furloughed workers to prepare an upcoming Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale, using funds left over from last year, according to a department document.

The National Park Service, under the umbrella of the Interior Department, is operating with a skeleton staff. Under its contingency plan, some parks may be accessible, with others closed completely. The park service is providing no visitor services such as restrooms, facility and road maintenance and trash collection.

&nbsp;Some volunteers have worked to clean up sites, according to media reports, and some states and other localities have also pitched in funding to keep parks operating. There has been damage to fragile lands by unmonitored visitors. Some campgrounds have closed because of sanitation issues.

The parks are losing about $400,000 a day in fees because no rangers are staffing the entrances, according to Senate appropriators. The park service has authorized using previously collected entrance fees to bring in additional staff to clean up trash and other tasks in a move some critics have said are illegal, the Washington Post reported.&nbsp;

The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington, which receive US government funding, are also closed.

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Commerce`s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau is not publishing economic data, including figures on a gross domestic product, inflation, personal income, spending, trade, and new home sales, during the shutdown.

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

The agency that oversees the federal workforce has given advice to workers on dealing with landlords, mortgage lenders and other creditors, including sample letters explaining severe income loss because of the lack of federal funding. Some federal workers are applying for unemployment benefits, according to media reports.&nbsp;

JUDICIARY

The US court system said on Tuesday it could operate until January 25 and that most proceedings would continue as scheduled. Cases involving furloughed lawyers from the executive branch of government may be delayed. Initially, the courts had estimated funding would be exhausted on January 18, but "aggressive efforts to reduce expenditures" bought extra time.

Immigration judges are among those furloughed, leading to thousands of long-delayed deportation cases being rescheduled.

HEALTH

The Food and Drug Administration and other agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services are partially affected by the shutdown. Some food and drug inspections are on hold, but the FDA says it is still able to respond to emergencies, such as foodborne illness outbreaks. The Indian Health Service is not able to provide most of its funds to Tribes and Urban Indian Health programs. Some scientific research projects also cannot continue in full.&nbsp;

AGRICULTURE

The Department of Agriculture has said that US farmers could have more time to apply for aid aimed at mitigating any harm during ongoing trade disputes with China, among others, adding that farmers who had already applied would continue to receive payments.

USDA has also delayed several key reports on major domestic and world crops that were due to be released on January 11.&nbsp;

Funding for food aid for low-income Americans, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, will continue in February, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week, but he warned the outlook for March was uncertain if there was no end to the shutdown.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION&nbsp;

The FCC, which regulates radio and television broadcast and cable systems, has suspended most operations. Work for "the protection of life and property" will continue as well operations at the agency`s Office of Inspector General, the FCC`s internal watchdog.&nbsp;

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

Of its 55,000 employees, 20,400 have been put on leave. That excludes most of the Federal Aviation Administration, where 24,200 are working and the Federal Highway Administration, where all 2,700 employees are funded through other sources.

The FAA said on Tuesday it was calling back 1,700 aviation safety inspectors "to perform duties to ensure continuous operational safety of the entire national airspace."

Air traffic control, hazardous material safety inspections and accident investigations continue, but some rule-making, inspections, and audits have been paused.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has furloughed nearly 60 per cent of its staff, halting auto safety investigations and new vehicle recall notices. The agency said it would recall furloughed employees if it "becomes aware of an imminent threat to the safety of human life."

Air traffic controllers and other aviation industry workers protested on the Capitol grounds last week.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

An estimated 1,100 of the office's 1,800 employees are on leave. That includes most of the Office of Management and Budget, which helps implement budget and policy goals.

NASA

Most employees at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are on furlough. The small percentage who remain are working without pay. Work on any satellite mission that has not yet launched will be suspended until the agency receives funding, according to its contingency plan.

The longest US government shutdown in history reached its 25th day on Tuesday, with most of the 800,000 employees who have been furloughed or are working without pay having missed their first paychecks last week.

The longest US government shutdown in history reached its 25th day on Tuesday, with most of the 800,000 employees who have been furloughed or are working without pay having missed their first paychecks last week. The White House and congressional Democrats remain divided over Republican President Donald Trump's demand for money for a border wall. The shutdown, which began on December 22, is the 19th since the mid-1970s, although most have been brief. A 1995-1996 shutdown over a funding battle between Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich lasted 21 days. The current one has not affected three-quarters of the government, including the Department of Defense and the Postal Service, which have secure funding. But some 800,000 employees from the departments of Homeland Security and Transportation, among others, have been furloughed or are working without pay. Private contractors working for many government agencies are also without pay and private companies that rely on business from federal workers or other consumers - such as national park visitors - are affected across the country. The following is what is happening around the federal government: INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Nearly 70,000 IRS employees, or about 88 per cent of the workforce, have been furloughed, raising concerns about American taxpayer filings and refunds and the ability of the agency to manage government revenues ahead of the April 15 income tax filing deadline. The US Internal Revenue Service said on Tuesday it intended to bring back more than 46,000 furloughed workers to process annual tax returns and refunds and other tasks. HOMELAND SECURITY The department that oversees Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service are affected. Of 245,000 agency employees, nearly 213,000 have been deemed "essential," according to the department`s contingency plan, so they are working without pay until a funding bill is passed. More than 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, but Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about some transportation employees failing to show up for work or calling in sick. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) Most of the department's 7,500 employees are "non-essential" and only about 340 are working. Nearly 1,000 others may be called in for specific tasks, without pay. The shutdown has left administration officials scrambling to prevent the eviction of thousands of people covered by a HUD program that expired on January 1 and now cannot be renewed, according to the Washington Post. Public housing authorities and Native American tribal housing entities are not part of the federal government and so are not required to shut down. But the federal government provides some of their funding, so some have reduced services or changed operating hours. HUD, which oversees some housing loan and low-income housing payment programs, warned that a protracted shutdown could result in a decline in home sales. INTERIOR The Interior Department intends to temporarily recall some furloughed workers to prepare an upcoming Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale, using funds left over from last year, according to a department document. The National Park Service, under the umbrella of the Interior Department, is operating with a skeleton staff. Under its contingency plan, some parks may be accessible, with others closed completely. The park service is providing no visitor services such as restrooms, facility and road maintenance and trash collection. Some volunteers have worked to clean up sites, according to media reports, and some states and other localities have also pitched in funding to keep parks operating. There has been damage to fragile lands by unmonitored visitors. Some campgrounds have closed because of sanitation issues. The parks are losing about $400,000 a day in fees because no rangers are staffing the entrances, according to Senate appropriators. The park service has authorized using previously collected entrance fees to bring in additional staff to clean up trash and other tasks in a move some critics have said are illegal, the Washington Post reported. The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington, which receive US government funding, are also closed. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT The Department of Commerce`s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau is not publishing economic data, including figures on a gross domestic product, inflation, personal income, spending, trade, and new home sales, during the shutdown. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT The agency that oversees the federal workforce has given advice to workers on dealing with landlords, mortgage lenders and other creditors, including sample letters explaining severe income loss because of the lack of federal funding. Some federal workers are applying for unemployment benefits, according to media reports. JUDICIARY The US court system said on Tuesday it could operate until January 25 and that most proceedings would continue as scheduled. Cases involving furloughed lawyers from the executive branch of government may be delayed. Initially, the courts had estimated funding would be exhausted on January 18, but "aggressive efforts to reduce expenditures" bought extra time. Immigration judges are among those furloughed, leading to thousands of long-delayed deportation cases being rescheduled. HEALTH The Food and Drug Administration and other agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services are partially affected by the shutdown. Some food and drug inspections are on hold, but the FDA says it is still able to respond to emergencies, such as foodborne illness outbreaks. The Indian Health Service is not able to provide most of its funds to Tribes and Urban Indian Health programs. Some scientific research projects also cannot continue in full. AGRICULTURE The Department of Agriculture has said that US farmers could have more time to apply for aid aimed at mitigating any harm during ongoing trade disputes with China, among others, adding that farmers who had already applied would continue to receive payments. USDA has also delayed several key reports on major domestic and world crops that were due to be released on January 11. Funding for food aid for low-income Americans, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, will continue in February, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week, but he warned the outlook for March was uncertain if there was no end to the shutdown. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION The FCC, which regulates radio and television broadcast and cable systems, has suspended most operations. Work for "the protection of life and property" will continue as well operations at the agency`s Office of Inspector General, the FCC`s internal watchdog. TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Of its 55,000 employees, 20,400 have been put on leave. That excludes most of the Federal Aviation Administration, where 24,200 are working and the Federal Highway Administration, where all 2,700 employees are funded through other sources. The FAA said on Tuesday it was calling back 1,700 aviation safety inspectors "to perform duties to ensure continuous operational safety of the entire national airspace." Air traffic control, hazardous material safety inspections and accident investigations continue, but some rule-making, inspections, and audits have been paused. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has furloughed nearly 60 per cent of its staff, halting auto safety investigations and new vehicle recall notices. The agency said it would recall furloughed employees if it "becomes aware of an imminent threat to the safety of human life." Air traffic controllers and other aviation industry workers protested on the Capitol grounds last week. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT An estimated 1,100 of the office's 1,800 employees are on leave. That includes most of the Office of Management and Budget, which helps implement budget and policy goals. NASA Most employees at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are on furlough. The small percentage who remain are working without pay. Work on any satellite mission that has not yet launched will be suspended until the agency receives funding, according to its contingency plan.

Impact on US government widens on 25th day of shutdown

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