The U.S. government will partially shut over the Christmas period due to a lack agreement over funding the proposed wall the Mexico border. Politicians say it is likely that the federal closures will continue after Christmas. It is the third government shutdown the year. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised a "very long" government shutdown if Democrats do not fund the border wall. Mr Trump wants the Senate to authorize $5.7 billion to finance the wall, which was one the President's major election promises 2016. He said: "I hope we don't, but we are totally prepared a very long shutdown." He tweeted: "Shutdown today if Democrats do not vote border security."
The shutdown has affected Mr Trump's holiday plans. The White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed this a statement. She said: "Due to the shutdown, President Trump will remain Washington, D.C. and the First Lady will return Florida so they can spend Christmas together." The shutdown means there is gridlock large parts the federal government's operations. Funding has expired departments that operate national parks, homeland security, law enforcement, tax collection and transportation. Around 400,000 federal workers have to stay home pay until a deal is reached. Many government services have been halted until the Senate reaches a deal.
