Budget deadlock drags on into New Year

Budget deadlock drags on into New Year

Washington - The US Congress failed to end a 16-day partial government shutdown which has crippled many government services, put 280,000 employees out of work and left thousands of contractors without pay. President Bill Clinton met congressional leaders for nearly two hours in a bid to reach agreement on a seven-year balanced budget, the issue which has caused the shutdown, and further talks will be held tomorrow. Reuter