US government shutdown set to last through Christmas

December 23, 2018 20:51

A partial US government shutdown is set to stretch through Christmas, after Congress adjourned for the weekend with no deal in sight to end an impasse over funding for US President Donald Trump's wall on the US-Mexico border.

Due to the shutdown -- in which several key US agencies ceased operations on Saturday -- Trump said he would remain in Washington over Christmas instead of going to Florida.

"I am in the White House, working hard," the Republican president tweeted. "We are negotiating with the Democrats on desperately needed Border Security (Gangs, Drugs, Human Trafficking & more) but it could be a long stay."

Trump has dug in on his demand for $5 billion for construction of the border wall, a signature campaign promise and part of his effort to reduce illegal immigration. Democrats are staunchly opposed, and the absence of a deal meant federal funds for dozens of agencies lapsed at midnight Friday.

The House of Representatives and the Senate held sessions on Saturday, but both chambers adjourned without agreement, and no votes were expected until Thursday.

This is the third partial government shutdown of the year, even though Trump's own Republican party still controls both the House and Senate.

That will change in January when the House comes under Democratic control.

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