US Government Heads for Partial Shutdown as Senate Rejects Bill

The United States federal government will partially shut down on October 1, as the Senate twice rejected a Republican-proposed bill aimed at continuing government funding. The legislative initiative failed to garner the necessary 60 votes, putting the country on the brink of a "shutdown."

As a result of this situation, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be sent on forced leave, and the work of a significant portion of government agencies will be suspended.

Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune blamed the Democrats for the situation, stating that they were the ones who torpedoed the bill aimed at preventing a shutdown. "They decided not to support an initiative that would ensure the uninterrupted operation of the government," he stressed.

In turn, Republican Senator Ted Cruz predicted that the partial shutdown of the federal government could last for weeks. He characterized the Democrats' position as a personal confrontation with President Donald Trump. "The Democrats are essentially declaring: we hate President Donald Trump so much that we are ready to shut down the government for it," Cruz said.

According to US law, even with the suspension of funding, the agencies and departments responsible for national security and foreign policy will continue to operate. This requirement also applies to those public servants whose work is related to the protection of citizens' lives and property. However, these employees will be forced to perform their duties without receiving a salary, which will be paid only after the budget issue is resolved.

Federal agencies had previously developed action plans for such a situation. It is reported that social payments to the elderly, people with disabilities, and other groups will not be stopped. The State Department will continue to issue passports and visas, and consular services will remain open both domestically and abroad. Thus, the partial government shutdown, although it will affect many areas, will not interrupt the provision of some vital services.