The U.S. government is on the verge of its first shutdown in almost seven years as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over spending and health care, raising concerns over furloughs for thousands of federal workers.
The government is set to close at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday unless the Senate approves a House-passed bill extending federal funding for seven weeks while Congress finalizes annual spending legislation. Senate Democrats have refused to back the measure without including an extension of expiring health care subsidies, while President Donald Trump and Republican leaders insist on passing a “clean” funding bill without additional conditions.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Monday the outcome depends on Trump, urging him to convince Republican lawmakers to meet Democratic demands. Vice President JD Vance, however, warned that a shutdown is likely because Democrats “won’t do the right thing.”
The standoff comes as Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 Senate majority and will likely need support from at least eight Democrats to overcome a filibuster and secure passage. Senator Rand Paul is expected to oppose the measure, complicating efforts further.
Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which provide health insurance relief to millions, set to expire at year-end. Republicans argue the issue should be debated separately and have proposed limits on the credits. House and Senate leaders met with Trump Monday, but no breakthrough was reported. During the meeting, Trump expressed reluctance to negotiate and later posted a doctored video mocking Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Federal agencies are preparing contingency plans, detailing which offices would remain open and which employees could be furloughed. White House Budget Director Russ Vought said a shutdown could be avoided if Democrats accept the House bill, but called any holdout tactic “hostage-taking.”
The standoff highlights the high-stakes political battle between Trump and congressional Democrats, with health care, government funding, and party leverage at the center of the dispute.