The federal government partially shut down on Wednesday after Congress failed to pass a temporary funding agreement before the midnight deadline, halting operations for millions of Americans. The impasse emerged as Senate Democrats blocked an eleventh-hour bill that would have kept agencies functioning, demanding provisions to extend Obamacare tax credits set to expire at year’s end. Republicans opposed the measure, arguing it would expand healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Vice President J.D. Vance condemned the shutdown, accusing Senate Democrats of “craziness” and claiming their stance would harm citizens. He specifically criticized the delay in paying air traffic controllers, stating, “People are going to suffer because of it.” The proposed funding bill narrowly missed passage by five votes, with some Democratic senators supporting the measure alongside independent and Republican lawmakers.
The shutdown has disrupted federal services nationwide, leaving employees furloughed and programs on hold as the political stalemate persists.
