By Jasleen Kaur Gulati

Copyright ptcnews

PTC News Desk: The United States was headed toward a federal government shutdown on Tuesday night after the Senate rejected a temporary funding measure, while President Donald Trump heightened tensions by warning of potential new layoffs among federal employees.The Senate voted 55-45 against the bill, leaving almost no chance of keeping the government running beyond midnight. The shutdown is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, forcing agencies to halt “nonessential” operations. The move could disrupt air travel, stall economic reports, and close everything from research labs to small-business loan programs. With the House adjourned and no progress in negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, the possibility of a last-minute deal appeared slim. Senate GOP leader John Thune said lawmakers might revisit the issue later in the week, but the stalemate showed no signs of easing. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of “bullying” Democrats by refusing to compromise on health care subsidies and other key issues.“This is all in the president’s hands. He’s clearly calling the shots here,” Schumer said after an unproductive White House meeting on Monday. “Republicans have until midnight to come to the table and negotiate seriously.”Democrats argue the fight centers on safeguarding health care for millions of Americans. They are pushing to maintain subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and reverse Medicaid cuts included in Trump’s tax plan earlier this summer.A FAMILIAR CRISISThis isn’t Trump’s first shutdown showdown. Back in 2018, his demand for border wall funding triggered a 35-day closure — the longest in US history. The US has shut down its government 15 times since 1981, most lasting only days.