US Federal Government workers are bracing for days without pay.
Republican and Democrat lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement on a spending bill.
US correspondent Mitch McCann says the shutdown's likely to last almost two weeks.
He told Ryan Bridge until then, affected staff aren't getting paid, even if they're in essential roles.
McCann says people like airport security staff and park rangers are expected to keep working every day without pay.
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Richard Hills: Auckland Councillor on the Government watering down the Auckland housing intensification plan
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Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive on business confidence slumping amid oil shock
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