The shutdown in the USA and the consequences

For the first time in over six years, part of the government in the USA has shut down. The reason is a political stalemate in the US Congress resulting in a so-called “shutdown”. Hundreds of thousands of government employees are sent on unpaid forced leave. What has caused the shutdown? And what are the consequences?

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (left), together with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (center), makes a statement to the media on Tuesday before the shutdown. Source: AAP, EPA / Will Oliver

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