A government shutdown is very likely at the end of September 2025 due to the failure of both the Republican and Democratic proposals in the Senate to secure funding beyond the September 30 deadline. The Senate rejected a GOP- drafted stopgap spending bill as well as a Democratic counterpart, with neither side willing to compromise. Both chambers are currently on recess, and the Senate is not scheduled to return until September 29, just hours before the funding expires. This deadlock and lack of agreement have escalated tensions, making a shutdown quite probable unless a last-minute deal is struck after the Senate reconvenes. Democrats insist on including health care provisions, particularly the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which Republicans are resisting. The blame game is underway, with Democrats blaming Republicans and President Trump for the impasse. Essential services would continue, but many federal employees could go unpaid during a shutdown starting October 1, 2025.
