WASHINGTON — A US government shutdown that could affect millions of Americans began today after congressional Republicans and Democrats failed to resolve a budget deadlock before funding expired at midnight.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers could be furloughed, but those deemed essential will continue working.

President Donald Trump’s administration has raised the stakes this time by directing agencies to consider firing staff instead of the usual practice of delaying pay until lawmakers reach a deal.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) said the need to avoid a shutdown had “reached a new level of urgency.” AFGE President Everett Kelley urged lawmakers to return to the table, stressing that “federal employees are not bargaining chips.”

Typically, non-essential staff are told not to report to work, while those providing critical services such as air traffic control and law enforcement stay on the job but without pay until the shutdown ends.