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US Government shuts down: The federal government has officially shut down for the first time in six years after a deadlocked Congress failed to pass a funding measure to keep the lights on — and no one inside the Capitol knows what will happen next.
- Blame game: Once the funding deadline passed, Republicans and Democrats immediately began pointing fingers at one another for the shutdown. Republicans insist Democrats need to simply agree to extend current funding for another seven weeks. Democrats are demanding any funding bill contain an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.
- What’s at stake? Every government shutdown differs, but functions that are critical to protect lives and property are typically deemed essential and stay open. Previous shutdowns canceled immigration hearings and delayed federal lending to homebuyers and small businesses, among other impacts.
