The federal government of the United States has remained shut down as of the tenth day, with no resolution in sight. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, 2025, caused by the failure of Congress to pass necessary appropriations to fund government operations. Both Republican and Democratic parties have proposed funding bills, but none have passed in the Senate, leading to a continued deadlock.
Senate Deadlock Extends Shutdown
On October 9, 2025, the Senate rejected competing proposals for the seventh time. The Republican-supported bill, which would fund the government until November 21, was defeated 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster. The Democratic countermeasure, which included extending government funding until October 31 and maintaining healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, also failed to advance with a vote of 47 to 50.
The Senate will not hold further votes on reopening the government until October 14, with a pro forma session scheduled for October 10 without substantive business. This means the government shutdown will extend at least into the following week.
Political Positions Harden
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed continued confidence in the Democrats’ negotiating stance, emphasising their insistence on extending healthcare subsidies. He told Punchbowl News that “every day gets better for us” as the shutdown continues. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for the shutdown, telling a caller on C-SPAN, “The Democrats are the ones that are preventing you from getting a check,” referring to federal pay.
President Donald Trump reiterated his criticisms of Democrats, stating, “They keep using health care as a cudgel,” while accusing them of trying to use healthcare to influence the shutdown negotiations. Trump also threatened to cut popular Democratic programs if the shutdown persists, saying, “We will cut some popular Democrat programs that aren’t favoured by Republicans, frankly, because that’s how this operates.”
Impact on Federal Employees and Military
Federal employees have begun missing paychecks as the shutdown extends. The Internal Revenue Service has furloughed nearly half its staff due to funding shortfalls caused by the shutdown. Approximately 1 million active military personnel face the prospect of missed pay if funding is not restored by the deadline of October 15.
The disrupted pay schedules have increased public frustration and added pressure to lawmakers. However, the divisions in Congress show little sign of easing, as each side remains entrenched on key policy issues.
Federal employees are missing their paychecks due to shutdown
Congressional Activity and Negotiations
House Speaker Johnson has kept the House out of session until at least October 13 to push Senate Democrats to approve the Republican continuing resolution. Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate and require critical Democratic votes to reach the 60 votes necessary for approval.
Three Democrats — John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King — have consistently supported Republican funding measures. Meanwhile, some Republicans like Senator Rand Paul have voted with Democrats to block Republican proposals, complicating efforts to pass short-term funding.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson
Outlook and Upcoming Developments
The protracted shutdown marks the 21st funding gap and 11th government shutdown in modern US history. President Trump plans to travel to the Middle East on Sunday to commemorate a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, but the length of his visit remains unclear.
No further votes to end the shutdown are expected until the Senate reconvenes on October 14. If Congress fails to pass funding before October 15, federal employees, including military personnel, will face missed paychecks, deepening the financial impact of the shutdown.
Also Read: Today in History October 10: Key Moments That Shaped the World
Summary of Shutdown Status
- Federal government shutdown entered Day 10 on October 10, 2025
- Senate rejected both Republican and Democratic funding proposals seven times
- Republican bill would fund government until Nov 21, defeated 54-45
- Democratic bill would fund until Oct 31 and extend healthcare subsidies, defeated 47-50
- Senate will not vote again on reopening until Oct 14; pro forma session on Oct 10
- Federal employees and military face missed paychecks starting mid-October
- House remains out of session until at least Oct 13 to pressure Senate
- President Trump blames Democrats for shutdown, threatens budget cuts
- Democrats, led by Schumer, hold firm on healthcare subsidy extension
The ongoing stalemate in Congress shows no immediate solution. The political dispute centres largely on healthcare subsidy extensions and differing budget priorities. Federal workers and the public brace for extended disruption as the shutdown continues without an agreement to restore funding.
This government shutdown affects millions of Americans and federal programs, with the risk of economic and operational consequences increasing as it persists beyond October 2025. Lawmakers face mounting pressure to reach a compromise to end the impasse.
