Government staff describe their uncertainty during a budget impasse - though not all of them oppose the shutdown.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be placed on unpaid leave until an agreement can be reached between Republicans and Democrats

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers could now be furloughed, and national parks and museums could close.

Washington's political gridlock is expected to inflict wide-ranging miseries for Americans, as anything deemed non-essential will be put on hold.

Government staff describe their uncertainty during a budget impasse - though not all of them oppose the shutdown.

How does the government shutdown affect citizens? How long will the shutdown last? These federal agencies will have workers on furlough.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay amid the start of the government shutdown.