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The federal government shut down at midnight on October 1, with President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats blaming one another for failing to reach an agreement. This marks the 15th government shutdown since 1981.
The shutdown began after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican funding proposal, which required 60 votes to pass but only received 55. Trump and Republicans are threatening mass layoffs of federal workers, with some unions filing a lawsuit over this threat.
Both sides have used various channels to blame the other. The White House website displays a clock counting “democratic shutdowns,” while Democrats posted on social media that “republicans own this shutdown.”
About 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed daily under the shutdown, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and essential workers like military personnel will continue working without pay.
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Democrats demand health care policy changes in funding measures, while Trump accuses them of wanting to provide healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Democrats call this a lie, noting that undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible for Medicaid or Medicare payments.
The Senate reconvenes on Wednesday morning, with votes expected throughout the day, but the House remains in recess as Speaker Mike Johnson pressures Democrats.
This shutdown is the first since 2019 and could cost the U.S. economy about $3 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
