Partial shutdown of US government to start at midnight

A partial government shutdown is assured after the House and the US Senate adjourned without Congress passing a spending deal.

Several federal agencies will cease operations at Friday midnight as the White House and congressional leaders failed to make a deal on spending.

"Members are advised that the House has adjourned and no further votes are expected this evening," the New York Post quoted House Majority Whip Steve Scalise as saying in a statement late on Friday.

"As the House awaits Senate action on remaining FY 2019 appropriations, we encourage all Members to remain on call and prepared to vote on the House Floor."

The debate reached an impasse on Thursday when President Donald Trump said he would not sign a bill that does not include $5 billion for the construction of a wall on the southern border.

A spending bill that includes the appropriations for the wall passed the House on Thursday night, but did not have the votes to pass in the Senate. - IANS