Washington, D.C: The United States federal government officially shut down at midnight after Congress and the White House failed to reach an agreement on how to extend federal funding. President Donald Trump had told reporters on Tuesday that a shutdown seemed likely. Republicans and Democrats remained locked in a bitter dispute over health care funding and broader spending priorities.

According to media reports, the shutdown would be different from the past closures as Trump had threatened to lay off more federal workers if lawmakers did not pass legislation. However, the administration has not made clear what cuts to expect, reported the Economic Times. ADVERTISEMENT

“We will be looking for opportunities” to reduce the size of the federal government, said White House budget director

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