The U.S. government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after the Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill. This closure will force hundreds of thousands of federal employees onto unpaid leave and could impact public services and economic data.

• The shutdown commenced after a Senate vote on a continuing resolution fell short of the 60 votes required for passage.
• Democrats demanded stronger healthcare benefits, including extended subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and restoring coverage for certain legal immigrants.
• Republicans opposed these measures, advocating to temporarily maintain current government funding levels to allow more time for negotiations.