Congress has failed to pass a funding bill before the October 1 deadline, triggering a government shutdown that will begin at 12:01 a.m. ET. Both Republican and Democratic proposals were rejected in the Senate, with Republicans pushing for a short-term extension and Democrats demanding continued Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversal of Medicaid cuts. President Trump has called the shutdown “probably likely,” framing it as an opportunity to make lasting cuts to Democratic-backed programs. As a result, nonessential federal services will halt, many workers will be furloughed or work without pay, and agencies are now executing contingency plans. Essential operations like Social Security, Medicare, and air traffic control will continue. Political leaders are trading blame, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune urging Democrats to reopen negotiations, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insists Republicans must engage in good-faith talks. The White House has acknowledged that the shutdown is now inevitable.
