US Government Shuts Down In Dispute Over Funding For Border Wall

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd December, 2018) The US Federal government partially shut down after members of Congress failed to resolve differences over $5 billion in spending for President Donald Trump's border wall.

Funding for key government operations expired at 11:59:59 p.m. on Friday (around 5:00 a.m. GMT on Saturday). Earlier in the day, the Senate failed to reach a compromise over a House-passed bill and decided to adjourn until Saturday.

Essential services such as retirement payments, air traffic control and airport security will continue to be funded while every essential agency and department such as the US military - will remain open, according to government officials.

Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller's Office will also be able to continue working, CNN said citing a Justice Department official.

Meanwhile, the shutdown prompted Trump to cancel plans to spend the holidays at his resort in Florida.

The federal government previously closed twice this year with minimal impact. A three-day shutdown in January took place over a weekend and a February closure only lasted for a day. All three shutdowns this year involved disputes over immigration.