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.

Essential workers, such as the military and border agents, may be forced to work without pay and some will likely miss their checks beginning next week. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association voiced fears for air safety as more than 2 300 members were sent home.