US Government Shutdown Looms as Budget Deadline Nears and Talks Stall"

US Government Shutdown with just hours left before the midnight deadline, the United States is staring down the barrel of a government shutdown. A bitter standoff between Democrats and Republicans over a funding deal has left Washington gridlocked, with both sides trading blame for the impasse. If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, a shutdown would force numerous federal agencies to halt operations, delay paychecks for hundreds of thousands of government workers, and disrupt vital public services across the country. Although last-minute deals have averted shutdowns in recent years, this time the stakes appear even higher. The White House has signaled that, in a departure from previous shutdowns, it may terminate certain employees rather than place them on temporary unpaid furloughs. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are under increasing pressure from the progressive wing of their party to stand firm against former President Donald Trump and Republican demands. Speaking to Fox News, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized Democratic leaders for refusing to compromise, saying, “They wouldn’t back off on any of these crazy demands.” In response, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer slammed Republicans for presenting a bill that he says lacks any Democratic input. “It’s up to the Republicans whether they want a shutdown or not,” Schumer stated. Despite the dire warnings, some Republicans remain confident that a full-blown shutdown can be avoided—or at least kept brief. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina dismissed the idea that Democrats would allow a prolonged shutdown. “A 600-pound man is more likely to pass up a donut than the Democrats are to shut down the government for any length of time,” he quipped. “They love the government as much as a 600-pound man loves a donut.” Graham acknowledged that past shutdowns, often aimed at forcing political concessions, have rarely achieved their goals. “It may be popular, but shutting the government down is not the answer to popular legislation. I’ve learned that the hard way,” he said. Former President Trump, speaking to Politico, distanced himself from the potential fallout, saying he doesn’t believe the public will blame him. “People that are smart see what’s happening. The Democrats are deranged,” he said. What Happens During a Government Shutdown? Under federal law, if Congress fails to pass a spending bill, government agencies must cease all non-essential operations. Employees considered “non-excepted” are furloughed—placed on unpaid leave—while “excepted” workers, such as those in law enforcement, military, and air traffic control, are required to continue working without pay until funding is restored. During the 35-day partial shutdown in 2018-2019— the longest in U.S. history—around 800,000 federal employees were affected. Of those, about 340,000 were furloughed, while the rest continued working under “excepted” status. As the deadline approaches, uncertainty looms large—not just for federal employees, but for millions of Americans who depend on government services. Whether a deal can be struck in time remains to be seen.

NEWS