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Four ways the US government shutdown could end

October 1, 2025

The US government has entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, marking the first federal closure in nearly seven years. Senate Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill that would have kept the government operating until November, though three Democrat-aligned senators broke ranks to support it. As the shutdown continues, political pressure will mount on both parties, with Democrats potentially facing increasing strain as government employees and the general public begin to feel the effects of curtailed services.

Who is affected

  • Federal government employees who face delayed paychecks and potential furloughs
  • Tens of millions of Americans who will lose health insurance subsidies and face government healthcare cuts for the poor
  • The general American public who will experience curtailed government services
  • Voters in battleground states like Nevada, Georgia, Virginia, and Colorado
  • Air travelers who could face major disruptions if the shutdown continues long-term
  • Incumbent politicians from both parties who may face electoral consequences

What action is being taken

  • Republican Senate leader John Thune is planning a series of funding votes to maintain pressure on Democrats
  • Trump is sharing "derisive, obscenity-laced AI generated videos" of his opponents
  • Democrats are responding with Trump-Epstein photos and pledges to remain committed to the fight
  • Both parties are engaged in blame-shifting as the shutdown continues
  • Some Democratic senators from battleground states are breaking with their party to support ending the shutdown

Why it matters

  • This is the first government shutdown in nearly seven years, causing significant disruption to federal operations
  • The shutdown directly impacts millions of Americans through curtailed government services and economic disruption
  • Health insurance subsidies for tens of millions of Americans are expiring during this period
  • Republican-approved government healthcare cuts for the poor will soon take effect
  • The political consequences could reshape the 2026 midterm elections, particularly for vulnerable incumbents in battleground states
  • Extended shutdowns can cause severe economic damage, as demonstrated by the previous 35-day shutdown that nearly disrupted air travel nationwide

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC