The United States barrelled toward a federal government shutdown on Tuesday night after the Senate failed to approve a stopgap funding bill, while President Donald Trump escalated tensions by threatening new layoffs of federal employees.

The 55-45 Senate vote left little chance of keeping the government open past midnight. The shutdown clock runs out at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Agencies are now preparing to suspend “nonessential” services, a move that could disrupt air travel, delay economic reports, and shutter everything from research labs to small-business loan offices.

With the House not in session and no signs of compromise between Republicans and Democrats, prospects for a last-minute rescue look dim. Senate GOP leader John Thune said lawmakers may try again later in the week, but t

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