Summary
The U.S. government has shut down because the Senate couldn't agree on funding bills. Federal workers are affected, and some may not get paid until the shutdown ends. A new poll shows many people blame Republicans more than Democrats for the shutdown.
Key Facts
- The federal government has shut down because the Senate did not pass funding bills.
- The last government shutdown was in 2018-2019 and lasted 35 days.
- Some ethics experts say the Trump administration's use of government resources to blame Democrats could break the Hatch Act.
- Democrats want to extend health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
- Federal workers won't get paid during the shutdown but will receive back pay after it ends because of a law passed in 2019.
- Two unions are suing the Trump administration, claiming it is threatening to fire federal workers unlawfully.
- A poll by NPR/PBS News/Marist shows more people blame Republicans for the shutdown, although some blame both parties equally.
- During shutdowns, museums like the Smithsonian usually close.