Government shutdown begins as lawmakers fail to reach deal to extend funding

What to know about the government shutdown:

The federal government began to shut down at 12 a.m. on Wednesday as lawmakers failed to resolve a dispute over spending, leading to the first lapse in funding in nearly seven years.

A House-passed GOP bill to extend current spending levels for seven weeks failed again in the Senate, where Republicans need Democratic support to approve spending. Democrats are demanding the extension of health care tax credits in exchange for their support.

Without a deal, funding lapsed at nearly every agency and department as the clock struck midnight.

Agencies will begin implementing shutdown procedures on Wednesday morning to keep or send hundreds of thousands of workers home on furlough. Essential employees and those whose duties are funded through other