House deadlock to send US government into shutdown as Biden inquiry holds first hearing

House deadlock to send US government into shutdown as Biden inquiry holds first hearing

Time is running out for US lawmakers to make a deal to avoid a government shutdown.

Congress faces a deadline of midnight Saturday to pass a budget, before two million federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, and some are forced to work without pay.

Republican house leader Kevin McCarthy still says there's time, but a shutdown is looking more likely with every passing minute.

Meanwhile, an impeachment inquiry into US President Joe Biden has held its first hearing.