are we shut down

Yes, the U.S. federal government officially shut down at midnight on October 1, 2025, due to a deadlock in Congress over passing a funding bill. This is the first shutdown in nearly seven years, resulting from Congress failing to approve spending measures with disagreements primarily between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding and other budget issues. The shutdown means many federal programs and services deemed nonessential are closed, and hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed. Essential services like the military and some health and safety operations continue, but many agencies including those involved in health care and scientific research face significant disruptions. Negotiations remain stalled with both parties blaming each other for the shutdown.