Explainer | Why has the US government shut down and who will it impact most?
The shutdown began after congressional Democrats and Republicans could not agree on how to continue funding the federal government
Here, the Post examines why this happened and what will be affected.
Why has the government shut down?
Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate, they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass the funding bill, meaning they need some Democratic support.
Democrats have made the stand-off primarily about healthcare, refusing to back a bill introduced by Republicans that they say will make healthcare less affordable.
They are calling for an extension of tax credits that would make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans and for a reversal of cuts to Medicaid, a joint federal and state programme that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income and resources.