Efforts to bring a quick end to the US government shutdown floundered Wednesday when senators rejected a plan to resolve an acrimonious funding stand-off between President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress.

With the government out of money after Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight.

Senate Democrats -- who are demanding extended health care subsidies for low income families -- refused to help the majority Republicans approve a House-passed bill that would have reopened the government for several weeks while negotiations continue.

Around 750,000 public sector workers are expected to be placed on furlough -- a kind of enforced leave, with pay withheld until they return to work.

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