The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue essential veteran benefits and healthcare services during a federal government shutdown, while deferring certain non-critical operations.

Senate Democrats utilize filibuster to block Republican stopgap funding bill, heightening risk of US government shutdown due to Obamacare subsidy extension dispute and budget negotiations.

Upcoming U.S. government funding debates center on extending ACA subsidies affecting over 20 million Americans, with premium hikes and coverage losses at stake.