U.S. federal government shuts down after Senate fails to pass funding plans

The U.S. federal government has shut down for the first time since 2019 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill by the midnight deadline.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed, while essential staff must continue working without pay. Services such as immigration hearings, small business lending, and some veterans’ programs could face disruptions, while critical functions protecting life and property will continue.

Republicans and Democrats immediately began blaming one another.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on X:

“Democrats have officially voted to CLOSE the government. Results: Moms and kids now lose WIC nutrition. Veterans lose health care and suicide prevention programs. FEMA has shortfalls during hurricane season. Soldiers and TSA agents go UNPAID.”

The White House website also displayed a ticking clock labeled “Democrats Have Shut Down the Government.”

Democrats rejected that claim. Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X: “Let me be clear: Republicans are in charge of the White House, House, and Senate. This is their shutdown.”

Sen. Patty Murray, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said “Make no mistake, our government has shut down because Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats and do their job.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand added “I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to come to the negotiating table and prioritize American families over billionaires.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a joint statement blaming former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders.

“After months of making life harder and more expensive, Donald Trump and Republicans have now shut down the federal government because they do not want to protect the healthcare of the American people,” they said.

Republicans have insisted Democrats should approve a short-term funding extension for seven weeks. Democrats argue they will not support a bill unless it includes enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune vowed to force repeated votes on the GOP bill until enough Democrats agree. Schumer countered that Democrats are standing firm for affordable healthcare.

“Our guarantee is to the American people. We’re going to fight as hard as we can for their health care, plain and simple.”

Uncertainty remains over how long the shutdown will last, with both parties signaling no immediate willingness to compromise.