The U.S government has shut down...Now what?

By Yunielis Vargas

10/1/25

How did this happen and why?

On September 30th, 2025, the government had fully shut down for the first time in seven years. The last time the government had shut down was in 2018, during President Trump's first term. It lasted from December 22, 2018, until January 25, 2019. The main reason for this shutdown was disputes over the wall on the United States-Mexico border. The main reason for this current shutdown is over budgets– while Democrats are fighting for an extension of expiring tax credits, which make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, republicans are in favor of Trump's cuts to Medicaid, a government healthcare program used by millions of elderly, disabled, and low-income people.

Everyone who works for the government will not be paid while the government is shut down. As some people are told to stay home, such as national park workers, TSA workers are forced to work without pay until the government catches up. Alongside TSA workers, border protection and law enforcement staff, ICE agents, hospital medical care, and air-traffic control workers are also expected to work like normal without being paid.

State parks and forests will be closed down and unable to reopen until the government gets back up. In addition, food assistance programs, federally funded pre-schools, and institutions like the Library of Congress will also be shut down closed. How Can WE Fix This?

The government reopens after Congress comes up with a resolution about budgeting disputes. Currently, the republicans are 60 votes short of passing what they want because they have a majority of the Senate, but they must agree with the democrats to resolve. This could take days, weeks, or months. Republicans have always been opposed to healthcare and specifically more affordable healthcare for those who may not be able to afford it, while Democrats are for more affordable healthcare for those who can’t afford it. This resolution will include arguments, federal workers going a long time without pay, more than 800,000 employees without a job, and more. 

Sources:

• Why the U.S. Government Has Shut Down and What Happens Now

• Charts: U.S. Government Shutdown Length and History