what is the reason behind the government shutdown

The current government shutdown in the United States stems from Congress failing to pass and enact appropriations legislation to fund federal government operations for the new fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2025. Without a continuing resolution or full appropriations bills, spending authority lapses and nonessential federal functions shutter, while essential services continue to operate. The impasse has been driven by disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over funding levels and policy riders, including debated extensions to healthcare subsidies and other budget priorities. As a result, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or required to work without pay for the duration of the lapse.