US TOURIST ATTARACTIONS CLOSE AS SHUTDOWN BEGINS!

GOVERNMENT services and tourist attractions in America will be closed today, as politicians failed to reach an agreement on spending.

President Obama warned of the economic impact of the US shutdown [EPA]

The Statue of Liberty in New York and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming are among the attractions that will be closed to the public, as the first 'shutdown' in 17 years begins.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of government workers will be forced to take unpaid leave, while military personnel would see their wages delayed.
Democrats and Republicans reached a stalemate in a debate over Barack Obama's controversial healthcare law - known as Obamacare.
Republicans are opposed to the move, and refused to back down in their clash with Obama and Democrats.
President Obama warned Americans in a TV address that the shutdown would have a "very real economic impact, right away".

Attractions like the Statue of Liberty will be closed [REUTERS]

“The idea of putting progress at risk is the height of irresponsibility”

Barack Obama

He said: "The idea of putting progress at risk is the height of irresponsibility.
"One faction, of one party, in one House of Congress, in one branch of government, does not get to shut down government just to refight the results of an election."
He added: "Vital services that seniors and veterans, women and children, businesses and our economy depend on will be hamstrung.
"Tourists will find every one of our national parks and monuments immediately closed and of course the communities and small businesses that rely on these national treasures for their livelihoods will be out of customers and out of luck."

A protestor makes their feelings known [AP]

House Speaker John Boehner responded, saying: "The American people don't want a shutdown and neither do I."
He added that the new health care law "is having a devastating impact...Something has to be done".
Obamacare - designed to make healthcare more affordable to the poor in America, where treatement is covered by health insurance - has already been passed into law, but no funding has yet been agreed.
Republicans are against the scheme, and an agreement on the budget had been delayed until today.
The last US shutdown occurred under Bill Clinton in 1996, and lasted for 28 days. Daily Star reports.