The vote on the Republican initiative is still ongoing, but it can no longer secure the required 60 votes, according to American media. According to the channel, the bill, which had previously been passed by the House of Representatives, received 49 votes in favor and 45 against, while it requires 60 votes to be approved.
According to American legislation, ministries and agencies related to national security and foreign policy continue their work during shutdown periods, along with employees tasked with “protecting lives and property.” These individuals are asked to work without pay temporarily, with their dues to be paid after resolving the financial crisis.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Pessant warned on Monday that the US government shutdown is already affecting the country’s economy and citizens’ lives. The new US fiscal year began on October 1st without Congress approving a government budget. This forced the federal government to shut down operations, affecting up to 40% of the workforce, or more than 800,000 people.
US President Donald Trump blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown. The administration used the shutdown to begin reducing staff and benefits, as well as canceling programs not favored by Republicans. Experts warned that each week of the shutdown reduces US GDP growth by 0.1-0.2 percentage points. If the current crisis persists, its consequences may negatively impact the country’s economy.
It is noted that the government shutdown has occurred more than 20 times since 1977 due to disagreements between the White House and Congress, with the longest shutdown in American history recorded between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019, during President Donald Trump’s first term.
