why is there government shutdown

The government shutdown occurred because Congress failed to agree and pass a funding bill to finance the federal government. Specifically, President Donald Trump's Republican Party and the opposing Democrats could not reach a consensus on spending priorities, particularly over healthcare provisions and budget cuts. Republicans have the majority in Congress but lack the 60 votes in the Senate needed to pass the funding bill. Democrats opposed the Republican spending proposal, citing concerns about healthcare access, continuation of tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, and budget reductions for health agencies. This impasse led to the expiration of federal government funding as of October 1, 2025, resulting in a government shutdown. Essential services like border security, emergency medical care, and law enforcement continue to operate, but non-essential government functions are suspended, and about 750,000 federal employees are placed on furlough or unpaid leave. The shutdown marks a significant political standoff, with the Trump administration showing willingness to allow a prolonged closure as part of budget size reduction and policy enforcement.