WASHINGTON — As the clock struck midnight, the U.S. government officially entered a shutdown after failing to reach a funding agreement between Congress and the White House.
Despite being under Republican control, Congress could not navigate the necessary Democratic support in the Senate, where a total of 60 votes is essential for passage.
Multiple proposals — one from the GOP and another from Democrats — were both rejected only hours before the shutdown deadline, underscoring the significant division between the two parties on federal funding issues.
This marks the first government shutdown since 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term, which previously set the record at 34 days, extending into early 2019.
Presently, both parties show little willingness to compromise, leaving the prospect of a resolution uncertain.
The shutdown means that a vast number of federal employees, approximately 750,000, will be furloughed each day, as projected by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Although members of Congress and President Donald Trump will continue to receive their salaries, many federal workers will go without pay during the shutdown period.
Essential roles, such as those held by agents of the Transportation Security Administration, air traffic controllers, federal law enforcement personnel, and military members, are mandated to work without pay.
Nevertheless, federal law guarantees that all employees will receive back pay once government operations resume, including those who were not able to work.
According to the CBO, the compensation for furloughed workers will amount to $400 million.
In light of the shutdown, federal officials have invited individuals working in affected roles or those experiencing disruptions in services to share their experiences at [email protected].
Certain services, such as Medicare and Social Security benefits, will remain unaffected as they do not rely on the annual funding process; however, new applicants may face delays due to the furloughs.
President Donald Trump has hinted at the potential for significant layoffs among federal employees during the shutdown, stating his intention to possibly fire ‘many’ of them.
This conflict is rooted in months of political clashes, with Democrats pushing for provisions to extend health care funding, especially concerning Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire, significantly increasing premiums for many by year-end.
Furthermore, Democrats have demanded assurance that President Trump will not unilaterally withhold spending intended by Congress.
In response, GOP leaders have refused to negotiate on a short-term plan to avert the shutdown and proposed a bill to continue operations under current spending levels until November 21.
Democratic leaders rejected this offer, insisting that it did not address their priorities and vowing to oppose any bill lacking bipartisan support.
In the White House, there appears to be a belief that the strategic battle could ultimately fall on the shoulders of the Democrats, with many in the administration feeling confident that public blame will shift in their favor.
An official from the White House emphasized the challenge facing Democrats in justifying their opposition to a ‘clean’ funding bill designed to keep the government open.
Adding to the political tension, three Democratic senators voted in favor of the Republican bill shortly before the deadline: John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, Angus King from Maine, and Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada.
This support leaves the GOP in need of at least five additional Democratic votes to secure passage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota expressed hope that more Democrats may consider backing the GOP proposal once the realities of the shutdown begin to affect their constituents.
‘Cracks in the Democrats are already showing,’ Thune remarked, noting that some members were dissatisfied with the current situation.
Despite this, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York firmly stated that his party would stand against any partisan legislation that bypasses their input.
He criticized Republicans for pushing a partisan agenda and underscored the need for bipartisan negotiations to develop a bill that both parties could endorse.
Public opinion may play a crucial role in the unfolding events, as surveys indicate varying blame between the two parties for the shutdown.
A New York Times poll revealed that 26% of respondents would attribute the shutdown to President Trump and the Republicans, while 19% would blame the Democrats.
The perception of shared blame is also significant, with 33% of the respondents considering both parties responsible and 21% undecided.
Similarly, a Marist University survey indicated that 38% would place the blame on Republicans, 27% on Democrats, and 31% on both parties equally.
This shutdown emerged following a White House meeting where President Trump received briefings from leaders of both parties, including Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York.
Despite the discussions, no common ground was found, leading to renewed partisan tensions as President Trump later posted an insulting AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, further escalating the situation.
In an incendiary exchange, Jeffries publicly admonished President Trump, urging him to confront him directly rather than resorting to attack through social media.
‘When I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face,’ Jeffries declared from the Capitol steps.
A White House official dismissed outcries about the video, finding it humorous and asserting that it effectively spotlighted the Democrats in an unflattering light.
With the impasse deepening and bipartisan discussions at a standstill, White House budget director Russell Vought circulated a memo ahead of the midnight deadline, instructing agency heads on handling shutdown procedures.
He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the shutdown’s duration while emphasizing that workers should report for their next scheduled shifts to manage shutdown activities.
Shortly thereafter, the Senate adjourned without reaching a resolution, with its members expected to reconvene but lacking a definitive plan to resolve the deadlock.
Thune, maintaining a hopeful outlook, suggested that Democrats might eventually reconsider their stance under pressure, reiterating the internal challenges they face from their left-wing constituents.
Amidst the ongoing conflict over policy and responsibility, it remains cloudy as to when government operations will resume.
The Republicans feel obligated to uphold President Trump’s agenda in the face of Democratic opposition, while Democrats are under considerable pressure from their base to adopt a more confrontational stance against a president perceived as increasingly autocratic.
Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina anticipates that resolution may take time, suggesting the shutdown could extend at least until the following week.
‘I don’t think anything’s going to happen until the House gets back,’ Graham observed, implying that dialogue may only progress once more lawmakers return to work.
Overall, as both parties navigate this grave situation, the path forward remains shrouded in uncertainty.
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