US Democrats have vowed to pass bills that would end a government shutdown, when they take control of the House when Congress reconvenes on Thursday.


A Thai tourist snaps the consequences of the partial shutdown [Photo: BBC]

But the bills will not include funding for President Donald Trump's Mexican border wall, the cause of the shutdown.

The impasse will therefore continue, as Republicans still control the Senate and say they will not pass the funding bills without Trump's approval.

The partial shutdown has now lasted 13 days, affecting some 800,000 workers.

Shutdowns occur when Congress fails to approve a budget for government operations, or the president refuses to sign it, by a certain deadline.

NBC news reports more than 420,000 “essential” federal employees will work without pay until the dispute is resolved.

Another 380,000 are put on temporary leave.

[Source: BBC]