Government Shutdown Expected To Cause Widespread Pay Delays, Economic Impact By Mid-October

The U.S. government shutdown that began at the start of the fiscal year shows little sign of resolution, with lawmakers now focusing on an October 15 deadline when most government employees, including active-duty military, would miss their paychecks. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and other Republican leaders are urging pressure on Democrats to pass the House-approved funding bill to prevent the missed payments, seen as a critical leverage point to end the shutdown. The Trump administration has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of ensuring military pay despite the ongoing funding lapse. Economists and prediction markets project the shutdown could last until or beyond October 15, raising concerns about the economic impact, including disruptions to nutritional programs, airport security, and broader consumer spending. The Senate has repeatedly voted on the same funding bill with bipartisan support previously, but sufficient votes to pass it have not materialized, prolonging the impasse. While some anticipate a continuing resolution as a temporary fix, the political stalemate remains unresolved, with potential long-term consequences if the shutdown extends further.