A congressional deadlock's shut down the US Government.
Congress failed to pass last-ditch attempts to extend federal funding failed, with Democrats and Republicans refusing to vote through each other's bills.
The deadline's now passed - meaning the Government must strip back to essential services, and most federal workers won't be paid.
President Trump's threatened major cuts.
US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's a monstrous situation.
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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive