W House says firings ‘imminent’

EFFORTS to swiftly end the US government shutdown collapsed this week as Democrats in Congress went home without resolving a funding standoff with President Donald Trump and the White House threatened public sector jobs.

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THE US Capitol is seen lit up hours before a partial government shutdown was set to take effect in Washington, DC.

(AFP)

Federal funding expired at midnight after Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, prompting agencies to wind down services, while the White House warned of “imminent” firings of public sector workers.

Senate Democrats - who are demanding extended health care subsidies for low-income families - refused to help the majority Republicans approve a House-passed bill that would have reopened the government for several weeks while negotiations continue.

Voting in the Senate is now adjourned until Friday, frustrating hopes for a quick resolution.

Around 750 000 federal employees are expected to be placed on furlough - a kind of enforced leave, with pay withheld until they return to work.