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'No good outcome' - voters across US share concerns about shutdown

October 3, 2025

During a government shutdown affecting thousands of unpaid workers, U.S. lawmakers from both parties are locked in a stalemate with no resolution in sight. Democrats refuse to support the Republican spending plan without renewing expiring healthcare subsidies they claim many working families need, while Republicans insist Democrats should pass a short-term bill first before discussing subsidies. The article presents diverse perspectives from six American voters across different states, revealing varied opinions on which party bears responsibility, the justification for the standoff, and the impact on everyday citizens.

Who is affected

  • 750,000 Americans who are not getting paid
  • Federal employees on unpaid leave/furloughed workers
  • Low-income families
  • Students who rely on federal scholarships
  • People wanting to visit National Parks or museums
  • The sister of one Florida resident who has been furloughed
  • The broader American economy as unpaid workers cannot contribute spending

What action is being taken

  • Democrats are refusing to back the Republican spending plan without healthcare subsidy renewals
  • Republicans are pushing Democrats to pass a short-term bill first before discussing subsidies
  • The two parties are engaged in ongoing blame-shifting as the stalemate continues
  • Some citizens are speaking out about their concerns regarding the shutdown

Why it matters

  • Hundreds of thousands of Americans are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown
  • The lack of pay affects both individual families and the broader economy
  • Essential government services and facilities like national parks and museums are unavailable
  • Federal programs and scholarships that many citizens depend on are at risk
  • The political standoff demonstrates the deep partisan divide in American politics
  • The situation impacts public confidence in government's ability to function effectively

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC