**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 Senate vote ended 55-45, falling 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 pushing for an immediate extension of health subsidies as millions of Americans begin receiving notices of premium increases for the coming year. These expanded subsidies, which were first implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak, are poised to expire, likely increasing the cost of health insurance coverage for many.
In addition, Democrats have demanded that Republicans reverse planned Medicaid cuts. They have also sought a commitment from the White House not to undo spending measures already passed by Congress.
**Blame Game Intensifies**
The Trump administration has placed blame squarely on Democrats for the shutdown. President Donald Trump threatened to cut programs and “cut vast numbers of people out” if the standoff continues.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune argued that a “clean” funding bill should be noncontroversial and predicted that Democratic support would grow once members realize they are on a losing path. Despite holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans still needed at least eight Democratic votes because Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky opposed the bill.
**Impact of the Shutdown**
According to the Congressional Budget Office, approximately 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day during the shutdown.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website has issued a warning about the shutdown, blaming “the Radical Left” for the impasse. Meanwhile, the White House instructed agencies last week to plan for a “reduction in force” for numerous federal programs if the government shuts down. This may lead to permanent dismissals of non-essential employees rather than temporary furloughs.
**Looking Back: The Last Shutdown**
The previous government shutdown occurred during Trump’s first term, lasting from December 2018 to January 2019. That shutdown, driven by Trump’s insistence on funding for a US-Mexico border wall, became the longest in history at 35 days. It ended amid mounting airport delays and missed paychecks for federal employees.
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The nation now faces renewed uncertainty as government operations remain stalled and the political battle over funding and policy continues.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-government-headed-to-a-shutdown-after-last-ditch-vote-fails/story