why did our government shut down

The US government shut down on October 1, 2025, due to a failure by Republicans and Democrats in Congress to agree on a federal spending bill necessary to fund government operations for the new fiscal year. The main points of contention were disagreements over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies, particularly concerning provisions related to Medicaid cuts and the continuation of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. Republicans, controlling both chambers but lacking the 60 votes needed in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, could not pass their proposed funding measure. Democrats refused to support the Republican plan, arguing it would worsen access to healthcare and cut key health programs. Efforts to negotiate a compromise failed, leading to the shutdown at midnight on October 1. About 900,000 federal employees were furloughed, with another 700,000 working without pay, although critical services continued to operate. Both parties blamed each other for the shutdown, heightening political tensions.