The US shutdown continues: Senate fails to vote for the fifth time
7 October 2025 08:42
In the United States, the government shutdown has been going on for five days now, as the Senate has once again failed to pass any of the bills that would restore funding for government agencies. This is reported by the BBC, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
Both parties – Democrats and Republicans – presented their own versions of the bills, but none of them received the required 60 votes. The Democratic initiative failed with a score of 45 to 50, and the Republican initiative failed with a score of 52 to 42.
Trump threatens massive layoffs, but is ready to negotiate
US President Donald Trump has warned that another failed attempt to vote on funding could lead to massive layoffs of government employees. Thousands of employees are already on unpaid furlough or forced to work without pay.
Nevertheless, Trump has hinted that he is ready to seek a compromise with Democrats who insist on including health care provisions in the bill. Republicans, on the other hand, are demanding a “clean” bill without any additional conditions.
“I’m willing to work with Democrats on their failed health care policies or any other issue, but first they have to open our government. They can do it today!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The dispute is over health care for the poor
Democrats have refused to support the Republican version, saying it worsens access to healthcare for low-income Americans.
They demand that the new law preserve health insurance subsidies for low-income people and reverse the cuts to Medicaid funding imposed by the Trump administration.
Republicans, on the other hand, accuse Democrats of blocking government funding in an alleged effort to provide health care for undocumented immigrants – a claim Democratic leaders strongly deny.
Firing warnings
The White House said that massive layoffs of federal workers are “inevitable” if the shutdown continues.
Spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said the Office of Management and Budget is already preparing for staff cuts:
“We don’t want to see people out of work. But if the shutdown doesn’t end, that will be the inevitable consequence.”
What is a shutdown and why did it happen?
In the United States, since the late nineteenth century, there has been a law that prohibits the work of federal authorities if they do not have funding. A shutdown (literally, “closure”) occurs if Congress fails to approve and the president fails to sign the funding for these bodies.
Unlike Ukraine, the United States does not have a single budget law. Different bills are required to fund departments or programs, 12 in total. It often takes a long time for them to be approved by both chambers and the White House. That is why they are usually not all approved by October 1, when the new fiscal year begins in the United States.
If the White House and Congress (or even congressmen among themselves) cannot agree on a continuing resolution, a shutdown will begin at 00:01 on October 1 (07:01 Kyiv time).
Why the threat of a shutdown arose this time
This time, the shutdown was triggered by a political conflict between the Republican majority in the Senate and House of Representatives and the Democratic Party, which refused to support the budget without additional conditions.
In the Senate, the Republican bill that would have avoided the budget crisis failed at the last minute. The document garnered only 55 votes, while the rules of procedure require a minimum of 60 votes for adoption.
The non-standard majority requirement forces Donald Trump’s associates to negotiate with Democrats. However, there is no compromise: the opposition is demanding to increase spending on health insurance programs, while the ruling party rejects these amendments.
What services have been suspended
Most federal government employees are going into forced unpaid downtime. For example, during the 2018 shutdown, 800,000 people were affected. Only those involved in critical areas, such as law enforcement and air traffic controllers, remain at work.
During the shutdown, numerous federal programs and services are suspended:
- Federal employees: about 750,000 people are furloughed without pay.
Patterson House - National parks and museums: closed to the public.
- Assistance programs: may be suspended or restricted, including SNAP (food assistance) and WIC (maternal and infant care).
U.S. Representative Ami Bera - Litigation: More than 86,000 immigration court hearings have been postponed.
U.S. Representative Ami Bera - Healthcare: Some Medicaid programs may experience delays.
Consequences for ordinary Americans
“The shutdown leads to the suspension of a number of government programs:
- food assistance,
- federal daycare centers,
- food inspections,
- student loans,
- and national parks.
Airlines warn that delays in payments to air traffic controllers may lead to flight disruptions.
What works during the shutdown?
Despite the suspension of many services, some critical functions continue to operate:
- Security and defense: military, border guards, police, and emergency services continue to operate.
- Medical services: Hospitals and emergency medical services are functioning without changes.
- Pensions and social benefits: payments under the Social Security and Medicare programs continue. U.S. Representative Ami Bera.
How long do shutdowns last?
Government shutdowns in the United States are not a new phenomenon.
- In 2018-2019, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the shutdown lasted 35 days, which is a record.
- In 1995, under Bill Clinton, it lasted 21 days,
- In 2013, under Barack Obama, it lasted 16 days.
- Ronald Reagan’s presidency had the most shutdowns – eight, but they were all short-lived.
How does this affect the economy?
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy up to $400 million a day due to the shutdown of federal agencies.
At the same time, members of Congress will continue to receive their salaries, as provided for by the US Constitution. The military will continue to work, but their pay will be postponed until the shutdown is over.
For example, in 2018-2019, the shutdown resulted in $11 billion in losses.
