The federal government of the United States entered a partial shutdown this Wednesday, October 1, after Congress failed to approve a budget to fund state operations across the country.
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 750,000 federal employees could be temporarily furloughed until government funding is restored. Meanwhile, workers deemed essential by the government will continue working, but without receiving their salaries, until the shutdown ends.
This new shutdown comes after months of political gridlock between Republicans and Democrats, who have not been able to reach an agreement on key issues such as federal spending and healthcare subsidies for Americans.
How long could this shutdown last, and what will be its real consequences?
In reality, the duration will depend on how quickly Congress can pass a fixed spending plan. In the meantime, many federal workers face financial uncertainty, and public services could grind to a halt in several areas.