WASHINGTON: The US federal government has entered a shutdown for the first time in seven years. The government has stalled after the Senate failed to pass an operating funding bill. The bill, which requires bipartisan support, was defeated on Tuesday by a vote of 55-45. The government officially shut down at 12:01 am on Wednesday, October 1, after no agreement could be reached before the midnight deadline.

The government shutdown has also temporarily halted government services. It is estimated that the shutdown will severely affect airline services, major economic reports, research lab operations, and small businesses. It is reported that various government agencies have begun procedures to lay off employees in view of the situation.

Meanwhile, Trump has intensified the political crisis

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