The federal government has entered its third day of shutdown after Congress failed to approve funding, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees uncertain about paychecks and disrupting some services across the country.
Congressional Republicans advanced a short-term funding bill, but Democrats blocked it, insisting the measure include expanded health care subsidies.
“The American people should not be hostages to partisan wish lists,” Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer countered, “Protecting families’ health care is not an ‘add-on,’ it’s a lifeline.”
The shutdown has closed national landmarks, paused new small business loans, and frozen billions in infrastructure and energy projects, particularly in Democratic-led states. Some programs continue: Social Security and SSI payments are on schedule, federal courts are operating on reserve funds, and military and border security remain active, though many employees are working without pay.
“Republicans shut down the government because they can’t be bothered to protect health care for Americans across this country. Premiums are set to more than double! Americans cannot afford this,” Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “It’s only the president who can do this. We know he runs the show here.”
Economists warn that each week of the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy roughly $7 billion. President Donald Trump has frozen $26 billion in transit and clean energy funding, further escalating the standoff. The Senate is expected to vote again Friday, but a quick resolution remains uncertain.
