The United States edged closer to a partial government shutdown on Tuesday after the Senate failed to advance a stopgap spending measure, Reuters reported. The bill fell 55-45, short of the 60 votes needed, leaving agencies preparing to halt non-essential services from Wednesday.

Federal plans call for tens of thousands of staff to be furloughed and programmes such as research, loans and data releases suspended. Essential workers, including military and border personnel, would remain on duty but without pay. Airlines warned of potential delays, and the Labour Department said it could not issue its monthly jobs report.

The deadlock centres on a $1.7 trillion funding bill. Democrats want permanent Affordable Care Act subsidies included, citing risks to 24 million Americans’ healthcare costs, while Republicans insist on a separate debate.

President Donald Trump has threatened further layoffs if funding lapses, saying job losses would fall on Democrats. More than 150,000 federal staff are already set to leave this week through buyouts, the largest reduction in 80 years.

Agencies such as the Justice Department have circulated memos blaming Democrats for the standoff, drawing criticism for breaking neutrality. Unions have filed lawsuits over the planned furloughs, though courts have previously allowed dismissals to proceed.

The last shutdown, in 2018-19, lasted 35 days and cost the economy an estimated $3 billion. With no compromise in sight and the House not in session, the length of any new shutdown remains uncertain.