US Government Shutdown Halts Federal Operations Impacting Hundreds of Thousands

The U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown due to the Senate's failure to pass a continuing resolution to fund government operations, largely over disputes involving healthcare tax credits and spending demands. The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the impasse, citing their demands for $1 trillion in new spending, while some GOP leaders have suggested the shutdown might be used to impose additional federal workforce cuts. Despite the shutdown, federally funded programs such as WIC, Head Start, and SNAP are currently secure through October, though their future funding remains uncertain. Senate Republicans faced criticism for holding a luxury retreat during the shutdown, an event also mirrored by Democrats planning a similar gathering, drawing accusations of tone-deafness amid the crisis. Senate offices are preparing for curtailed operations, with only essential staff working and many services, events, and dining options restricted. Efforts to negotiate a bipartisan resolution continue, with some bipartisan talks underway to find alternatives to the failed GOP proposals.