Congress left town Wednesday without a solution to break its bitter impasse over government funding, with the shutdown now set to last until at least Friday when members return for more votes.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Thousands of U.S. federal employees stopped working on Wednesday when the government shut down due to a budget impasse in Congress. The longest shutdown on record started December 22,

This is false. Democrats say they are pushing for the inclusion of key health care provisions in the next congressional spending package.

Those who still have jobs will receive back pay once funding is restored to their agency. In prior shutdowns, Congress had to approve back pay for employees, but a 2019 law made it mandatory. Contractors — who were responsible for carrying out about $755 billion worth of government work in the last fiscal year — are not guaranteed back pay.

Republicans are attempting to keep pressure on Democrats, and away from their own party, as Washington lurches toward a politically risky government showdown. With just hours until federal funding expires at midnight on Wednesday,

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on two federal charges, with reports suggesting more charges are imminent.

As the US government shutdown takes effect, here's what visitors need to know, from airport queues to national parks and museums.