US government notifies employees shutdown appears imminent

The U.S. government on Thursday started notifying federal employees that a shutdown may occur, meaning that millions of workers may stop receiving pay Oct. 1. 

"During this time, some of you will be temporarily furloughed while others who perform excepted functions will continue to execute your assigned duties," a notice sent to Department of Homeland Security employees states, according to "The Washington Post."

The 2023 fiscal year ends Saturday, and the 2024 fiscal year budget has not been agreed upon as House Freedom Caucus members are demanding the reigning in of domestic spending.

The Senate, meanwhile, passed a resolution to fund the government until Nov. 17, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reportedly will not allow the House to vote on the package. However, the California Republican did pledge to advance a stopgap funding bill that satisfies the demands of conservative House members. 

About 2 million federal workers and 1.3 million active-duty troops may not be paid beyond Saturday if a deal is not reached. Some essential employees will be expected to appear for work without pay, but the government will be stripped down to its most basic functions. This means government food assistance programs may come to a halt and parks and passport offices may be closed, among other things.

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