On October 1st 2025 the US government shut down after congress failed to agree on a federal plan. The shutdown has caused fear and uncertainty across the country as many federal workers worry about pay delays and job losses. 

One key reason for the shutdown was a disagreement between democrats and republicans over health care funding a program that helps low income people buy health insurance through the affordable care act.

The shutdown happened just before the deadline and both the parties blamed each other. Democrats say Republicans won’t agree to fund health care programs. Republicans say Democrats want too much and won’t compromise. This disagreement has kept the government closed causing uncertainty for many Americans. 

According to the New York Times Carl says  “Republicans want to show that they are able to wield their majority power and keep the government funded without giving in to what they see as unreasonable Democratic demands.”

 President Trump has used the shutdown to cut programs he disagrees with. So far the government has stopped or canceled 28 billion projects, many in states led by democracies, including money for public transportation and clean energy.

As stated in the New York Times “Trump says he has “identified funds” that would allow the government to pay military troops during the shutdown, even though Congress hasn’t allocated money for that purpose.”

The government is going  into the 3rd week of the government shutdown. Farmers still can’t get their loans, flights have been delayed and congress still hasn’t reached an agreement.  

In the New York Times it mentions  “Many of the people who keep the government running will be working without pay until the government reopens. Afterward, the law says, they must receive back wages”.

As the Shutdowns continue millions of Americans remain uncertain about their future and many hope that congress will find a way to reach an agreement and put this country’s needs before politics.