Efforts to end the U.S. government shutdown faltered Wednesday after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed measure to restore funding, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing furloughs and delayed paychecks.
Federal funding lapsed at midnight following failed negotiations between President Donald Trump and Congress. Agencies have begun winding down services, while the White House warned of possible permanent layoffs if the stalemate continues.
Senate Democrats are demanding extended health care subsidies for low-income families, rejecting a House-passed stopgap bill that would have kept the government open until late November. With the upper chamber adjourned until Friday, hopes for a swift resolution have dimmed.
About 750,000 federal employees are expected to be placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers such as military personnel and border agents will continue to report for duty without immediate pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned of risks to aviation safety as more than 2,300 members were furloughed.
The White House has signaled the shutdown could trigger lasting cuts. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said agencies were reviewing budgets for potential layoffs, and officials confirmed plans to halt funding for clean energy projects and freeze $18 billion in federal support for infrastructure in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul denounced the move as “political payback.”
Shutdowns are a recurring feature of U.S. political gridlock, though this is the first since Trump’s record 35-day standoff in 2019. They are widely unpopular, as services from national parks to permit processing become inaccessible.
Frustrated visitors in Washington voiced dismay. “You compromise. You find ways. Everybody gives a little bit, everybody takes a little bit,” said Terese Johnston, a retired tour guide from California.
The standoff has sharpened partisan divisions. Democrats accuse Trump of dismantling government programs, while Republicans argue Democrats are holding funding hostage. Vice President JD Vance said Democrats were insisting on “billions of dollars for health care for illegal aliens,” a claim Democrats deny.
House Republicans have already passed a temporary funding measure, but Senate Democrats say they will not provide the eight votes needed to advance it unless Republicans agree to soften planned cuts, particularly in health care.
With Congress out Thursday for Yom Kippur, the Senate is scheduled to resume Friday and may work through the weekend. The House will not return until next week, extending uncertainty for federal workers and the public.
