Neither proposal has cleared the Senate, leaving Congress at a standstill.
What Happens in a Government Shutdown?
If no agreement is reached, federal workers face furloughs or unpaid work, though backpay is guaranteed when the government reopens. Essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue, but agencies that rely on discretionary spending will be hit hardest.
During past shutdowns, national parks and museums closed, while air traffic controllers and TSA staff worked without pay, leading to potential flight delays. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 2018–2019 shutdown cost the economy $3 billion in lost GDP.
Political Blame Game
President Donald Trump has taken a hard stance, canceling a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down,” Trump told reporters, insisting Democrats are “the ones that are shutting down the government.”
Democrats, meanwhile, accuse Republicans of stonewalling negotiations. Some lawmakers argue that the administration’s threat of mass firings is “an attempt at intimidation.”
What’s Next?
As the deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over how long a shutdown could last. With both sides unwilling to budge, federal workers and the American public brace for the fallout.
