US government shutdown: What is happening and why is it important? Mass layoffs threatened

The United States is once again staring at a possible government shutdown. Unless Congress agrees on a funding deal before midnight on September 30 large parts of the federal government will run out of money and be forced to close from October 1. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters. A shutdown takes place when lawmakers fail to pass a funding bill for the new fiscal year. Without that money, many federal agencies cannot function and must halt all non-essential work until Congress acts. Essential services, such as social security, the military, immigration enforcement and air traffic control, continue. Mail delivery also goes on as usual. But other areas face disruption. In the past, shutdowns have closed national parks and Smithsonian museums, delayed immigration hearings