The current U.S. federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, due to failure by Congress to pass appropriations legislation for the fiscal year 2026. The shutdown is ongoing, and there is no clear end date because negotiations between Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked. Lawmakers have not reached an agreement, and Senate discussions have so far been unproductive in securing a deal to reopen the government. Some Senate members expect the shutdown to last at least several days, with negotiations continuing beyond the immediate days following the shutdown start. The shutdown has furloughed about 900,000 federal employees and affected many government services, while some essential services continue operating without pay.
In summary, the government shutdown will end only when Congress agrees on a funding resolution, but as of early October 2025, the timing remains uncertain. Historically, shutdowns depend on political negotiations, public pressure, and compromise, which are yet to happen in this case.
