US shutdown to continue after funding measures fail again in Senate

October 6, 2025

The US Senate failed for the fifth time to pass government funding measures, with both Democratic and Republican proposals falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed. Thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay since the shutdown began five days ago. The impasse centers on healthcare provisions, with Democrats insisting on protections for low-income Americans' health insurance subsidies and Medicaid funding, while Republicans want a "clean" funding bill with healthcare addressed separately.

Who is affected

Thousands of federal employees who are furloughed or working without pay
Lower-income Americans who rely on health insurance subsidies and Medicaid
Federal agencies whose funding has ended
The American public broadly, as indicated by polling showing unfavorable views of both parties' handling of the situation

What action is being taken

The Senate is continuing to vote on competing funding proposals
The White House and Office of Management and Budget are preparing for possible layoffs of federal workers
President Trump claims to be negotiating with Democratic leadership on healthcare provisions
Both parties are engaging in public messaging blaming the other side for the shutdown

Why it matters

Essential government services remain unfunded during the shutdown
Federal workers face financial hardship without pay and potential permanent layoffs
Healthcare access for lower-income Americans is at stake in the negotiations
The political standoff reflects deeper partisan divides over healthcare policy and government funding priorities
Public opinion is turning against both parties, slightly more against Republicans and Trump

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC