Partial U.S. Government Shutdown Forces 750,000 Furloughs

A partial U.S. federal government shutdown began at midnight after Congress failed to agree on a short-term funding measure, triggering temporary closures and furloughs nationwide. The impasse followed a partisan standoff over funding levels and health-care tax credits; the House passed a continuing resolution but Senate Democrats objected to being excluded from negotiations. The shutdown is expected to furlough about 750,000 federal workers and will close many federal offices while essential services — including the U.S. Postal Service, air traffic control, Social Security and some enforcement agencies — continue to operate. Lawmakers traded blame, with GOP leaders faulting Senate Democrats and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats blaming President Trump and congressional Republicans, and Senate Democrats are expected to hold additional votes this week as negotiations continue.