The US government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET after the Senate blocked a crucial funding measure. The bill, a seven-Weekweek stopgap intended to keep federal agencies running until November 21, failed with a 55–45 vote — far short of the 60 needed to pass.
Following the vote, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ordered agencies to begin an orderly shutdown. OMB Director Russell Vought slammed Democrats, accusing them of “insane policy demands” for blocking the bill.
Blame Game: Democrats vs Republicans
Democrats placed the blame squarely on Republicans, insisting the shutdown was avoidable if healthcare and other issues were addressed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called out President Trump for using federal workers as “political pawns.”
What a Shutdown Means for America
- Hundreds of thousands of federal employees face furloughs.
- Essential services like air traffic control, Borderborder security, and the military will operate with limited staff.
- National parks and museums are likely to close.
- Many federal workers may miss paychecks until funding resumes.
The US saw its longest shutdown last from December 2018 to January 2019, lasting 35 days. Previous notable shutdowns include 21 days in 1995–96 and 16 days in 2013.
How Long Will This One Last?
At this stage, the length of the shutdown remains unknown. The OMB urges agencies to stay alert and await further instructions as negotiations continue behind the scenes.
