what happened to us government

The US federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT due to congressional failure to pass appropriations legislation for the new fiscal year. The shutdown resulted from partisan disagreements mainly over federal spending levels, health insurance subsidies, and foreign aid rescissions. It has furloughed about 900,000 federal employees and left another 700,000 working without pay. Essential services such as Medicare and the TSA continue, but many agencies like the NIH and CDC face partial or full suspensions. The shutdown is the 21st funding gap in modern US history and the third occurring during President Donald Trump's administration. Efforts to negotiate a temporary funding resolution have so far failed, with Republicans and Democrats holding conflicting views on Medicaid cuts and health care subsidies. The Trump administration has taken steps to freeze billions in funding, particularly targeting projects in Democratic-led states, and has hinted at potential layoffs among government employees as part of broader budget reduction efforts during the shutdown. The impasse is ongoing with no immediate resolution in sight.