US Vice-President JD Vance warned of deeper, "painful" workforce cuts as the government shutdown nears its third week, with hundreds of thousands already unpaid and no vote scheduled. The standoff began 1 October after Democrats rejected a short-term bill, insisting on Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions; Republicans refuse, prompting accusations of "punishing people." The Trump administration said seven agencies, including the CDC, began firing over 4,000 staff, though some CDC notices were reversed, reinstating about 700. Essential staff work without pay, except troops, set to be paid via $8bn shifted from defense research funds.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.