US: Government shutdown begins; Senate expected to reject latest House proposal

The U.S. government began to shut down for the first time in 17 years early Tuesday, after a Congress bitterly divided over President Obama's signature health-care initiative failed to reach agreement to fund federal agencies.

Thousands of government workers arrived at federal office buildings to clean off their desk, set out-of-office e-mail messages and make whatever arrangements were necessary so they could stay off the job indefinitely.

Others, including border patrol officers, prison guards and air traffic controllers, were required to work but were told they may not be paid.

(Washington post)