On October 1st for the first time in nearly 7 years the US Government has shut down.

During a government shutdown This being the fourth shutdown to take place under president Trump’s two administrations, the last three all taking place in 2018 ranging from a few days to 35 days during the most recent one.

This marks the 20th Federal Government Shutdown in US History, though this has become a far more common occurrence. With 5 of the 20 shutdowns happening within the last 8 years (two presidential terms).

This shutdown was caused due to a disagreement between the republican and democratic parties over passing a spending bill for government services for October and beyond.

The Democratic members of Congress are seeking to extend certain tax credits that help make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans. However, the Republican-led House opposed this proposal. As a result, Democrats fell about 60 votes short of the number needed to pass the spending bill and avoid a government shutdown. Republican leaders argue that extending these credits would increase federal spending and worsen the national deficit.

Due to this shutdown, government employees who are deemed non-essential will be put on temporary unpaid leave. Around 40% of the government (750,000 people) while this shutdown is in effect. This includes: The workers of National Parks, NASA, and many more.

Members of congress will remain paid during this shutdown, as well as the following services still being in effect: Border Protection, Law Enforcement, immigration and customs enforcers, and in-person medical care.

At this time there has been no mention from the government on when they plan on reopening the federal government.