US Govt Begins Shutdown as Congress Fails to Reach Budget Deal

The US government has begun a partial shutdown after the Republican-led House of Representatives refused to approve a budget for next year.

A midnight deadline passed without agreement despite a last-gasp appeal by President Barack Obama.

More than 700,000 US government workers face unpaid leave with no guarantee of back pay once the deadlock is over.

Critical functions like air traffic control and military operations will continue. Social Security benefits will be paid. National parks and most federal offices will close.

Republicans insisted on delaying President Obama's health care reforms as a condition for passing the budget.

President Barack Obama issued a statement early Tuesday to military members and Department of Defense employees about the outcome of the shutdown.

"Those of you in uniform will remain on your normal duty status," the president said, as cited by CNN.

"Congress has passed, and I am signing into law, legislation to make sure you get your paychecks on time. And we'll continue working to address any impact this shutdown has on you and your families."

"To all our DOD civilians—I know the days ahead could mean more uncertainty, including possible furloughs," the president added. "And I know this comes on top of the furloughs that many of you already endured this summer. You and your families deserve better than the dysfunction we're seeing in Congress. ... That's why I'll keep working to get Congress to reopen our government and get you back to work as soon as possible."

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