why will the government shutdown

The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown because Congress has not passed a spending bill to fund government services for the new fiscal year starting October 1, 2025. The shutdown will happen if the Republican- controlled Congress and the Democrats fail to agree on a funding measure. Republicans lack the 60 votes needed in the Senate to advance the spending bill, and Democrats refuse to support the Republicans' proposal due to disagreements over healthcare funding, including tax credits for health insurance and Medicaid cuts. This impasse is exacerbated by the Trump administration's willingness to allow parts of the federal government to remain closed, even suggesting using a shutdown to identify non-essential personnel for potential permanent layoffs. Essential services like border security, air traffic control, and emergency medical care will continue, but many government operations and non-essential staff will be furloughed and unpaid until funding is restored. This would be the first government shutdown in nearly seven years if it happens.