A funding fight leads to gridlock
The United States government has officially shut down after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on funding. At the center of the dispute are enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which Democrats insist must be included in any deal. Republicans, however, want a “clean” extension of funding for seven weeks without extra conditions.
Both sides say they are not to blame for the shutdown. Senators left the Capitol in uncertainty, with no clear idea of how long the situation would last. The Senate plans to vote again on the Republican plan, but Democrats have said they will continue to block it unless health care subsidies are part of the deal.
What’s at stake with health care
The subsidies in question were first expanded in 2021 under the Biden administration as part of a COVID-19 relief package. They make Obamacare health coverage cheaper for low-income families and even help middle-class households afford insurance.
Around 24 million people signed up for coverage in 2025, thanks to the subsidies. If they expire at the end of this year, health premiums could jump by as much as 75% in 2026, according to health policy researchers. Democrats argue that protecting these subsidies is worth the fight. Republicans counter that the issue should be discussed separately, not as part of a temporary funding bill.
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Pressure inside both parties
The shutdown is testing the unity of both political parties. A few Democrats have already sided with Republicans, arguing that a temporary funding bill should pass first to keep the government open. Others remain firm with Senate leader Chuck Schumer, saying they cannot risk higher health costs for millions of Americans.
On the Republican side, some senators believe Democrats will eventually give in as the shutdown drags on. Others, like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, say there is still room for compromise, especially when it comes to discussing the “health care cliff” caused by the expiring subsidies.
Impact on federal workers
The shutdown immediately affects federal employees. About 750,000 workers could be furloughed without pay, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Those considered essential — such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents — must continue to work, but they will not be paid until the shutdown ends.
In past shutdowns, unpaid workers have caused major disruptions. Delays at airports, long security lines, and reduced government services quickly frustrated the public. For now, many families who rely on federal paychecks are bracing for missed bills and financial strain.
What continues during a shutdown
Not all services stop during a shutdown. Social Security payments will keep going out to seniors, people with disabilities, and others who depend on them. Unemployment benefits will also continue, as long as states can process them. Medicare and Medicaid payments remain active.
Veterans’ medical care and support programs will continue as well, including suicide prevention efforts and benefit payments. However, some services — like cemetery maintenance and hotline support — will be paused until funding is restored.
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What about public places?
Tourists and families may also feel the effects. In past shutdowns, national parks and monuments have closed, disappointing visitors and costing local communities money. This time, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will remain open through October 6, using leftover funds. After that date, their status is unclear.
Some states may choose to use their own budgets to keep parks open, but it will vary across the country.
The uncertainty ahead
The big question now is how long the shutdown will last. Both Republicans and Democrats are holding firm, but as each day passes, the pressure on lawmakers will grow. Federal workers, families who depend on subsidies, and millions of Americans are caught in the middle.
Senate leaders say negotiations will continue, but for now, the shutdown is a reminder of how divided Congress has become — and how much ordinary people can be affected when Washington cannot find common ground.
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