Government Shutdown Drags On

The U.S. federal government has now entered its seventh day of a shutdown as of early October 2025, following the expiration of a stopgap funding measure at midnight on September 30. Wikipedia The impasse stems from deep partisan disagreements over health care subsidies (especially those tied to the Affordable Care Act), proposed spending cuts, and the broader size and role of government. AP News

What’s happening now

Federal workforce under strain
Roughly 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while many others classified as “essential” continue working without pay. Wikipedia In a striking twist, a recently circulated White House memo suggests that not all furloughed workers are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends — a departure from past practice and from prevailing legal interpretations under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. Politico That has drawn immediate criticism from both sides: some Republicans warn it’s a political mistake, while Democrats accused the administration of attempting to undermine civil service protections. ABC

Service disruptions & operational impacts
Major federal services and agencies have scaled back or shuttered operations:

• The FAA reports that air traffic control staffing shortages have caused delays at major hubs, with over 3,000 flights delayed so far. Reuters
• Immigration detention oversight has been suspended: while ICE enforcement continues, its internal Office of Detention Oversight is furloughed, raising concerns about accountability and conditions in detention facilities. The Washington Post
• Health-related agencies are deeply affected: about 41% of the Department of Health and Human Services workforce is furloughed. Reuters
• Some states are seeing federal funds frozen — about $26 billion in funding intended for Democratic-led states has been put on hold by the administration as part of its strategic messaging. Reuters

Certain programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and some critical public health functions remain running, though under strain. Wikipedia

Economic and political stakes

Analysts warn that each week of continued shutdown could shave $7–15 billion off U.S. GDP, suppress consumer spending, and delay hiring — risks that grow cumulatively over time. Politico The Treasury Secretary—alongside White House economists—has sounded alarms about weakening growth, supply chain disruptions, and negative spillover into private-sector confidence. Business Insider

Politically, both parties are railing at one another. The White House and congressional Republicans blame Democrats for refusing to decouple health care subsidy provisions from funding bills; Democrats insist any shutdown deal must preserve support for millions who rely on ACA subsidies. APNews The showdown has become a test of political will, messaging, and constitutional boundaries — especially given the new debate over whether back pay is discretionary.

One particularly pointed moment came when President Trump said that “some people … don’t deserve to be taken care of” during the shutdown, fueling outrage among federal employees, unions, and members of Congress. TIME

What could happen next?

Congress is expected to bring up dueling short-term funding proposals: one offered by Republicans, another by Democrats, with multiple votes likely in the coming days. CBS But with neither side showing much willingness to yield, the path to resolution is uncertain. AP News

If the stalemate continues, further damage is likely: mounting hardship for federal workers, greater disruptions in services and infrastructure, and rising public frustration. A prolonged shutdown could also leave lasting scars on the economy, erode trust in governance, and shape voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms.