Core Points - The U.S. federal government has officially entered a "shutdown" due to Congress's failure to pass a temporary funding bill by the deadline of September 30, resulting in a funding interruption starting October 1 [1][2] - The shutdown has significant implications for federal employees, with over 4000 employees already receiving layoff notices and approximately 750,000 non-essential federal employees forced into unpaid leave [3][4] - The shutdown has led to delays in public services, affecting food assistance programs, housing aid, and various federal projects, while also causing disruptions in the release of key economic data [4][6] Group 1 - The U.S. government operates on a fiscal year that begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year, requiring a budget proposal from the executive branch that must be approved by Congress [1] - The inability to reach an agreement on regular appropriations has resulted in the need for a temporary funding bill to maintain government operations, which was not achieved this time [2] - The current shutdown follows a historical pattern, with over 20 previous shutdowns occurring in U.S. history, but this time the situation is exacerbated by the requirement for federal agencies to create permanent layoff lists [3] Group 2 - The impact of the shutdown is immediate and widespread, affecting millions of citizens reliant on government services, including food assistance for pregnant women and children, housing support, and student lunch programs [4][5] - The capital markets are experiencing anxiety due to the suspension of operations at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, leading to delays in the release of employment and inflation data, which are critical for economic assessments [4][6] - The political landscape is characterized by increasing polarization, with both parties engaging in blame games rather than seeking solutions, reflecting deeper systemic issues within U.S. governance [7][8]