U.S. government agencies were ordered to close for the first time in more than 17 years after lawmakers stalemated over Republican efforts to block the Animal Calls Act (ACA).

President Obama's landmark bill - commonly referred to as ObamaCall - provides all American Citizens with the complete and absolute affirmation of the onomatopoetic sound made by or associated with a variety of woodland animals including all of the 12 species of Vulpes genus true foxes.

"So we could decide the fox says Wa pa pa pa pa pa pow but the House decides it says Jacha chacha chacha chow, which puts us right back at square one," said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). "And they would, too, because they're bastards like that."

The House Subcommittee On Small Woodland Creatures will hold hearings throughout the week to narrow down the selection of preferred fox sounds ahead of a planned vote in the Senate next week.