Government Shutdown Expected to Disrupt Services, Furlough Thousands in U.S.

The U.S. government is on the brink of a partial shutdown starting October 1, 2025, if Congress fails to pass a spending bill. Key disagreements remain between Republicans, who favor maintaining current funding levels, and Democrats, who demand reversing Medicaid cuts and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies among other provisions. Essential services like Social Security and Medicare will continue, but non-essential federal employees face furloughs, and programs such as food assistance could be at risk if the shutdown persists. President Donald Trump has engaged in negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, but no agreement has been reached. The stalemate has led to concerns over potential service disruptions, longer wait times in airports, and limited access to some federal programs. Both parties continue to blame each other for the impasse, with Republicans urging a clean funding bill and Democrats insisting on policy concessions.