NUECES COUNTY, Texas — A federal government shutdown began early Wednesday after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill by a midnight deadline, forcing thousands of federal workers to furlough and others, including essential military personnel in the Coastal Bend, to work without immediate pay.

This is the first government shutdown since 2018.

The shutdown stems from an impasse in Congress, where a funding bill requires 60 votes to advance in the Senate. With 53 Republicans, bipartisan cooperation is needed. Democrats have expressed concerns that a simple extension of current funding would not address upcoming changes to health care programs, according to reporting from The Associated Press. 2025 Government Shutdown Explained in 2 minutes or less

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