US Government on Brink of First Shutdown in Almost 7 Years During Partisan Standoff

September 30, 2025

A government shutdown is looming as Democrats and Republicans face a partisan standoff over a temporary funding bill needed by Wednesday at 12:01 a. m. Senate Democrats refuse to support the House's seven-week funding extension unless it includes provisions for expiring healthcare benefits, while Republicans insist on a "clean" bill without additions.

Who is affected

Federal workers (approximately 750,000 who could be furloughed each day)
Those who might be laid off rather than just furloughed
Millions of people who could face higher insurance premiums if health care subsidies expire
Low- and middle-income people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act
Federal agencies preparing for shutdown
The American public who rely on government services

What action is being taken

Senate Democrats are refusing to vote for the House funding bill without healthcare benefit extensions
Republicans are maintaining their position on a "clean" bill without negotiations
Federal agencies are actively preparing for a possible shutdown
The White House is instructing agencies to consider "a reduction in force"
Congressional leaders are engaging in public messaging and blame attribution
Senators are debating the issue on the Senate floor

Why it matters

It would be the first government shutdown in almost seven years
Approximately 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day
Many federal workers might be fired instead of just furloughed
Most affected workers would not get paid during a shutdown
Health insurance costs could skyrocket for millions if ACA tax credits expire on December 31
The situation represents a high-stakes political standoff between Democrats and Republicans

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint