Photo credit: Politico.com

Hopefully you might know about the government shutdown that started at 12:01 on October 3rd. The federal government entered a shutdown because Congress and the White House failed to enact full year appropriations to fund government programs. Essentially what this means is that they have failed to meet a deadline on payroll for all federal workers. The two popular parties, democrat and republican party, have not been able to come to an agreement, resulting in the shutdown. The disagreement is largely centered on the health care subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with Democrats insisting that the subsidies be extended or maintained under any part of any funding deal. Republicans, including House leadership have pushed back on listening to these policy demands (particularly on healthcare) before the government is reopened. 

As of October 13th, the government is 13 days into the shutdown without resolution. Although the government has shut down many times in past years, and nothing has really affected us or made a difference, if leadership fails to make an agreement by November 1st, many federal workers could be laid off. Already an estimated 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed (sent home without pay), while many others continue working without pay. Some agencies have even started issuing Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or layoff notices in the possibility of prolonged shutdown. 

If the shutdown continues, most government agencies will continue to run but “essential” services like national defense, law enforcement, air traffic control, and public health operations, often continue, but often with limited capacity or staff working without pay. Other “non-essential” services are paused or curtailed. Some of these programs are museums, the IRS, and public health and mental health agencies. Some programs that are deemed mandatory or entitlements (like social security and medicare) typically continue, but there may be delays depending on staffing issues. The Treasury Department warns the shutdown is beginning to impact the broader economy, though the exact scale is yet to be determined. 

In the time of this shutdown, the two sides have become very divided over the “reason” for the shut down. Supporters of keeping the shutdown in place argue that the shutdown is necessary to push for “fiscal responsibility” and prevent overspending. They say reopening the government without addressing policy disagreements would weaken their negotiating position. On the other hand, Democrats and federal unions argue that the shutdown is hurting ordinary Americans and using federal workers as political pawns. They say the government should reopen first and then debate healthcare separately. 

The 2025 shutdown shows how deeply divided Congress remains on over spending and healthcare. While both sides blame each other, the effects are being felt by federal workers, families, and communities across the country. Until lawmakers find common ground, many Americans will continue to face uncertainty about their jobs, benefits, and daily lives. 

Sources:

“Government Shutdown Could Be the Longest Ever, House Speaker Johnson Warns.” Associated Press, 13 Oct. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/b6b59cae2ec28b39e57fbb703704f46a.

“Trump and Budget Chief Vought Are Making This a Government Shutdown Unlike Any Other.” Associated Press, 10 Oct. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/bf3ecd1f7cd765c9e125d7d7179c8b39.

“Hospital-at-Home Program Collateral Damage of the Shutdown.” Politico, 14 Oct. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/hospital-at-home-program-collateral-damage-of-the-shutdown-00602997.

“US Government Shutdown Threatens Home Sales in Flood-Prone Areas, Report Says.” Reuters, 14 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-government-shutdown-threatens-home-sales-flood-prone-areas-report-says-2025-10-14.\

“US Republican Leader Warns Government Shutdown Could Be Longest in History.” Al Jazeera, 13 Oct. 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/13/us-republican-leader-warns-government-shutdown-could-be-longest-in-history.

“US Treasury Chief Says Government Shutdown Is Hitting the Economy.” Reuters, 13 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-treasury-chief-says-government-shutdown-is-hitting-economy-2025-10-13.