The government shutdown is on. Already, it’s being felt across the country.

National Parks are preparing to scale back or close. Furloughed federal workers are facing tough choices about how to pay the bills when they can’t count on their paychecks. Some people trying to access government services have found locked doors. 

Democratic and Republican lawmakers are at an impasse after dueling proposals on the senate floor failed Wednesday.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has vowed that his party is in the shutdown fight to win it. He weighs in on Democrats’ strategy and what he’s hearing from his constituents.

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This episode was produced by Kathryn Fink and Vincent Acovino, with audio engineering byTed Mebane.

It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Sarah Handel.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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