Saralnama
US federal workers are on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown that began on Wednesday. Essential workers must still work but may not get paid during this time. The shutdown started because Congress could not agree on the budget, with disputes over spending and healthcare tax credits. Some workers say their pay is being ‘held hostage’ and worry about paying bills. Others support the shutdown for political reasons. The shutdown affects many government departments, including Homeland Security and the Army Corps of Engineers. Workers face financial stress and uncertainty about when the shutdown will end. (Updated 2 Oct 2025, 20:27 IST; source: link)