The US is facing a shutdown, a threat that Vice President J.D. Vance has warned will disrupt education, the environment, and other services. The impact is expected to be felt across the country.
Washington: A vote to end the US shutdown failed just hours after it began. Senate Democrats insisted on funding health care subsidies. However, President Donald Trump and Republicans are refusing to fund these subsidies. The country is plunged into uncertainty as the White House and Congress remain deadlocked over the continuation of various programs and services.
Vice President JD Vance warned
Amid the shutdown, US Vice President J.D. Vance has warned of federal employee layoffs in the coming days. “Frankly, if this goes on for a few more days or, God forbid, a few more weeks, we’re going to have to lay people off,” Vance said in the White House press briefing room.
The wrath will fall on the employees
In the US, approximately 750,000 federal government employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown, many of whom could be laid off. Many offices will be closed, perhaps permanently, as President Trump has vowed to “do such things” to punish Democratic Party leaders.
Many services will be affected
The shutdown will disrupt education, environmental, and other services in the US. The impact is expected to be nationwide. This is the third shutdown under Trump’s leadership and the first since his return to the White House this year.
Learn about shutdowns
A government shutdown occurs when there is no agreement on annual spending bills. The various departments of the US government require large sums of money to operate. This requires Congress to pass a budget or funding bill. However, when a funding bill fails due to political disagreements or deadlock, the government is left with no legally mandated funds for spending. In such a situation, the US government is forced to suspend non-essential services, a process known as a government shutdown. (AP)
