The federal government shut down much of its operations on Wednesday, Oct. 1, after Congress negated to reach a deal to on federal funding allocations for the government.

The move, sparked by expiring health benefits, ignited what could be a long bitter standoff, and ultimately furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers , although some workers will continue to receive pay.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, the shutdown continued.

The shutdown marked the 15th of its kind since 1981 , when government leaders "suspended scientific research, financial oversight , environmental cleanup efforts and a wide range of other activities," Reuters reported. Follow along with live updates: Government shutdown enters Day 2 as Trump and Democrats refuse to budge

During the longest-ever U.S

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