The U.S. government on the first day of the week experienced a partial shutdown due to the failure by Congress to reach a budget compromise. The stalemate, fuelled by acute partisan discords on spending priorities, has put thousands of federal workers on furlough and halted various non-essential services. Critical activities, like military, air traffic control, and Social Security checks do not go down. Yet, federal courts and public programs have already been hit by closures.
Economists caution that a protracted standoff would slow down growth and disrupt financial confidence. It is the first shutdown in nearly three years, highlighting the gridlock in Washington. President Joe Biden encouraged lawmakers to forge common ground since negotiations are still in limbo.