The government shutdown today, October 1, 2025, is happening because Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation to fund the federal government for the new fiscal year. The shutdown resulted from a deadlock between President Donald Trump's Republican Party and the Democratic opposition over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies. Democrats refused to support the Republican spending bill, arguing that it would worsen access to healthcare by cutting Medicaid and other programs. Republicans hold the majority but lack the necessary 60 votes in the Senate to overcome the filibuster and pass their bill. This stalemate led to the first government shutdown in nearly seven years, furloughing about 900,000 federal employees and leaving 700,000 working without pay. Essential services continue, but many agencies face partial or full suspensions of operations. The White House under President Trump indicated a willingness to allow the shutdown to assert authority on budget cuts and workforce reductions.
