More than 400 furloughed at Luke Air Force Base

PHOENIX — More than 400 civilian employees at Luke Air Force Base have been furloughed as a result of the partial federal government shutdown.

“We are putting them in a non-duty, non-pay status until Congress passes some sort of budget or continuing resolution,” said Gen. Michael Rothstein, adding that it will not be possible for the base to function without the furloughed staff over the long-term.

Without a budget, Rothstein said the base’s ability to operate is severely impacted.

Officials said roughly 800,000 federal employees nationwide would be affected by the shutdown after a half-day on the job Tuesday to fill out time cards, put new messages on their voice mail and similar chores.

The federal government was brought to the shutdown Monday night after Congress failed to pass a budget or resolution. Republicans and Democrats are warring over the Affordable Healthcare Act.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.