**US Government Shuts Down After Last-Ditch Vote Fails**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 01, 2025, 09:28 am*
The United States government has officially shut down for the first time in six years after Senate Democrats rejected a Republican bill to fund the government. The 55-45 vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to end a filibuster and pass the legislation.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of “bullying” by refusing to negotiate on extending expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
**Democrats’ Demands**
Democrats are seeking an immediate extension of health subsidies as millions of Americans begin receiving notices of premium increases for the coming year. Many who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act may face higher costs as the expanded subsidies, first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, expire.
In addition to the health subsidies, Democrats have demanded that Republicans reverse proposed Medicaid cuts. They are also calling on the White House to pledge that it will not attempt to undo spending passed by Congress.
**Blame Game Intensifies**
The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the shutdown. President Donald Trump threatened to “cut vast numbers of people out” and slash various federal programs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the funding bill as a “clean” one that should be noncontroversial. He predicted that Democratic support would increase once they recognize that their opposition is a losing battle.
Despite holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans needed at least eight Democratic votes to reach the 60-vote threshold. However, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky opposed the bill, complicating the effort.
**Shutdown Impact**
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day during the shutdown.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has warned of the shutdown on its website, blaming “the Radical Left” for the impasse. Last week, the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare for a “reduction in force” across numerous programs if the shutdown continues. This means employees not deemed essential may be dismissed rather than merely furloughed.
**Looking Back: The Last Shutdown**
The previous government shutdown occurred during President Trump’s first term, lasting from December 2018 to January 2019. That 35-day shutdown was the longest in US history and stemmed from disputes over funding for the US-Mexico border wall.
Officials ultimately ended the shutdown amid mounting public frustration, airport delays, and missed paychecks for federal workers.
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The current shutdown marks a significant political and economic challenge as lawmakers face growing pressure to reach a funding agreement and reopen the government.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-government-headed-to-a-shutdown-after-last-ditch-vote-fails/story
