Summary
A U.S. government shutdown is in effect due to disagreements between lawmakers over government funding. Many federal employees are furloughed, though essential services like mail and social security continue. Both parties disagree on funding related to health care issues.
Key Facts
- The shutdown began because lawmakers couldn't agree on government funding by the deadline.
- Republicans wanted a temporary funding plan without changes to health care programs like Medicaid.
- Democrats blocked the measure, seeking to reverse Medicaid cuts and extend health insurance tax credits.
- During the shutdown, non-essential federal employees are furloughed without pay until it ends.
- Essential services, like FBI operations and air traffic control, continue working without immediate pay.
- The U.S. Postal Service remains operational since it doesn't rely on tax funding.
- Furloughed workers will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes.
- Each federal agency decides which of its services continue and which stop during a shutdown.
