WASHINGTON: The United States government has partially shut down after a crucial funding bill failed to pass, triggering widespread disruption across multiple federal agencies, including NASA.
NASA announced on its official website that, due to the suspension of federal funding, all agency operations have been halted.
More than 15,000 NASA employees have been temporarily furloughed. Only a limited number of personnel working on missions where halting operations could endanger astronauts or compromise critical operations will remain on duty.
According to reports, approximately 750,000 federal employees nationwide have been sent home on mandatory leave. Public facilities, including Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress, have also been closed to visitors
The shutdown is expected to have far-reaching effects, including disruptions to air travel, suspension of scientific research, delays in military pay, and suspension of public-facing government services.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if the crisis is not resolved promptly, large-scale layoffs could occur.
Vice President J.D. Vance stated during a briefing that it is currently unknown how long the shutdown will last, while White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt cautioned that if the shutdown continues, federal employees could lose their jobs within two days.
The shutdown began after the Senate rejected a temporary funding bill. Both Democrats and Republicans blamed each other for the stalemate. A vote on the funding bill is scheduled to take place again in the Senate today.
Although the Republican Party holds a majority in the 100-member Senate, the government requires 60 votes to pass the bill. With Republicans holding only 53 seats, bipartisan support from Democrats is essential to ensure its passage.
