The Senate voted down Democratic and Republican plans to fund the government for the fourth time before leaving for the weekend. The House said it won't return til Oct. 14.

WASHINGTON -- The federal government was thrown into a shutdown Wednesday with no easy endgame in sight, as Democrats held firm to their demands to salvage health care subsidies that President Donald Trump and Republican in Congress have dismissed as something to possibly discuss later.

As the US government shutdown takes effect, here's what visitors need to know, from airport queues to national parks and museums.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Democrats aren't "serious" about negotiating an end to the shutdown, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the GOP has gone "radio silent."

President Donald Trump and Republicans have cast blame for the shutdown on Democrats' health care demands, while Democrats insist Republicans need to negotiate. The Senate is scheduled to return Friday for another vote. The Trump administration has threatened mass layoffs of some federal workers during the shutdown.

Millions of seniors may have to wait longer for 2026 COLA announcement as the government shutdown could delay Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation report.

Texas Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue blaming each other for the federal government shutdown and there is no indication yet when they will strike a deal to reopen it. The government shut down last Wednesday at 12:01 a.

Who gets paid during a federal shutdown? The president and Congress continue to get paid, as their salaries are constitutionally protected.