Federal Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Struggles with Funding Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government is set to close its doors at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, unless Congress reaches a last-minute agreement on a short-term funding measure. As of now, signs indicate that such a consensus remains unlikely.

Earlier this month, the House, controlled by Republicans, passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21, but the Senate subsequently rejected it. A Democratic proposal also failed on the same day as arguments between congressional leaders heated up.

On September 19, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy expressed confidence in moving forward, but the deal collapsed as Congress prepared to leave for recess, leading to an impending shutdown. Many essential government services will come to a halt if no agreement is reached.

In past shutdowns, essential federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, have remained on the job without pay. It’s unclear how employees will react this time, given that the last shutdown in 2018-19 saw many workers protesting by calling in sick.

The Office of Management and Budget has directed federal agencies to consider potential layoffs if the government shuts down, leading to fears that the federal workforce could shrink even further.

Over 71 million Americans depend on Social Security payments which will continue, although there could be processing delays for some benefits. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, a supplemental nutrition program, may be immediately affected if funding runs out, leaving many families without assistance.

The situation also has implications for travelers. Despite the shutdown, essential services like TSA and customs will operate, but longer lines and delays may occur due to reduced staffing levels and potential worker “sick-outs.”

As the deadline approaches, conversations between Republicans and Democrats are ongoing, but both sides are currently exchanging blame rather than seeking solutions. Observers are watching closely to see whether a last-minute compromise can prevent a government shutdown.