The U.S. government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to resolve a partisan standoff over immigration and spending. In a late-night vote, Senate Democrats blocked a bill that would have kept the government running for four weeks. (Jan. 20) AP
The government shutdown had an immediate effect on the athletes at the Air Force Academy: They are going to get some extra time off.
The school announced Saturday that all events would be canceled until there was some resolution.
The statement from the school:
"Due to the government shutdown, all Air Force Academy home and away intercollegiate athletic events have been canceled until further notice. In the event a solution is reached, the Academy will work to reschedule as many missed events as possible."
MORE: Government shutdown 2018: What we know now, what happens next
Some of the cancellations on Saturday:
►The men's and women's basketball teams were scheduled to play Fresno State.
►The men's hockey team was to play Sacred Heart.
►Swimming and diving teams were to be at UNLV.
It is all systems go on Saturday for Army and Navy, which operate differently than the Air Force Academy.
The Naval Academy Athletic Association, whose objective is to "promote, influence, and assist in financing the athletic contests of the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy," is technically separate from the Naval Academy and uses non-appropriated money. Army is set up the same way.
The federal government shut down Friday night after the Senate blocked a short-term spending bill. Many government agencies are now in the process of shutting down.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., vowed early Saturday to keep the Senate in session, and the House reconvened at 9 a.m. Saturday to be ready to vote on whatever the Senate may pass.