Much of the federal government has shut down after Republicans and Democrats in the Senate failed to agree on rival funding bills to keep it open.
Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that would have funded the government through October and extended Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. Democrats, in turn, rejected a Republican-backed House measure to keep funding flat until Nov. 21. Both needed 60 votes but fell short along party lines.
After the failed votes, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought told agencies to “execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.”
Essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits will continue, but delays are expected. About 750,000 federal employees may be furloughed daily, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
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Trump hints at firings during shutdown
President Donald Trump suggested the shutdown could be used to permanently shrink government.
“We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible,” he told reporters, hinting at mass layoffs. “We don’t want to do that, but we don’t want fraud, waste and abuse.”
What’s at stake if the shutdown drags on
- Federal workers and active-duty service members may miss paychecks by mid-October.
- Air traffic controllers and TSA officers, deemed essential, could work without pay, as in past shutdowns, some may call in sick.
- The WIC nutrition program for women and children could run out of money.
- National Parks may remain open but unstaffed, as in the last shutdown.
Democrats insist they will not back a spending bill without health care subsidies. “Republicans are plunging America into a shutdown … and risking America’s health care,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Republicans accuse Democrats of hostage-taking. “Senate Democrats have sacrificed the American people to Democrats’ partisan interests,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
No clear path forward
Republican leaders say they will keep forcing votes in hopes of drawing more Democrats. Three crossed over on Tuesday to back the GOP bill.
The last shutdown in 2018–2019 lasted 35 days, the longest in US history. With both parties refusing to yield, there is no clarity on how long this one will last.
