US Government Shuts Down After Senate Fails To Pass Funding Bill. The US government has officially shut down after senators failed to agree on a last-minute funding plan, marking the first shutdown since 2018. Some services will continue, including essential workers who may have to work without pay while many other federal employees have been placed on unpaid leave. President Donald Trump had warned of mass “irreversible” firings if the shutdown went ahead. The political standoff has seen sharp exchanges, with Republican Senator John Thune saying his party will not be “taken hostage,” while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of spreading lies. Global financial markets have largely shrugged off the shutdown, viewing it as a temporary disruption rather than a long-term crisis. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT