Government Shutdown Enters Second Day Amid Stalled Funding Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has been shut down since October 1, 2025, as Congress struggles to pass a funding bill.

The House of Representatives approved a stopgap measure to maintain government funding at current levels for seven weeks. However, this has not garnered enough support in the Senate, leaving many Americans wondering who is responsible for the shutdown.

Currently, three senators — two Democrats and one independent — voted in favor of the Republicans’ funding bill. Notably, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky opposed the bill, aligning with a total of 10 Democratic senators who previously crossed party lines to avert a shutdown.

This time, the Republicans require a minimum of eight votes from Democrats to pass the funding bill, assuming Paul remains the only Republican opposed. The delay continues to raise concerns over the potential consequences of a prolonged government shutdown.

Negotiations are ongoing as lawmakers seek to address the funding issue, but as of now, the stalemate persists.