US consular services in Kolkata will continue

US govt officially shutdown for the first time in five years after the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running

The American Center Kolkata and the Library will remain closed for an indefinite period, but consular services will not be affected, the American Center said in a statement.

“The American Center in Kolkata and the Library will remain closed to the public until further notice. Any inconvenience is regretted. Consulate Kolkata services will continue to function during the lapse in Congressional appropriations,” the statement said.  “If you have a scheduled visa interview or American Citizen Services appointment, please arrive at the consulate at your designated time.”

On Saturday, the US government officially shutdown for the first time in five years after the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running. 

A legislation to fund the US government through February 8, however, overwhelmingly cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate on Monday, putting it on course for a final vote in the chamber as lawmakers aimed to end a partial shutdown.

The shutdown began at after a few Republicans joined Democrats in blocking the crucial measure which would have provided short-term funding for the Pentagon and other federal agencies.