The U.S. government has shut down, after Congress failed to pass funding legislation before a midnight deadline on Tuesday.

The Senate on Tuesday voted on two separate bills to keep the government funded, one already passed by the House and backed by Republicans, and an alternative resolution proposed by Democrats. Both failed to meet the 60-vote bar needed for passage.

What happens now? For starters, nonessential services have shut down, putting many thousands of federal workers on furlough while all other essential staff continue to report without pay. It also means delays for certain benefit program features, financial aid and IRS verification, as well as potential travel disruptions.

What happens when the government shuts down?

Federal workers will bear the brunt of the shutdown’s

See Full Page