The U.S. Democratic Party is signaling a potential government shutdown if Congress fails to pass the federal budget. If lawmakers cannot reach an agreement by midnight on September 30, the federal government will largely halt operations starting October 1, except for essential services.
Democrats are demanding the restoration of health insurance policies that were repealed during the Trump administration. On September 22, Republicans pushed back, calling the move a “political hostage situation,” as the deadline for budget approval looms closer.
What a Government Shutdown Means
In the U.S., a shutdown occurs when the president and Congress fail to pass the 12 annual appropriations bills that fund government operations before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. Without funding, most federal agencies stop functioning. Only essential services related to public safety and welfare—such as defense, law enforcement, firefighting, prisons, and air traffic control—continue operating.
Non-essential services are suspended. National parks and museums close, passport processing halts, and approximately 800,000 federal employees are affected. Some are placed on unpaid leave, while others designated as essential must work without pay.
Continuing Resolutions and the Current Standoff
When budget negotiations run out of time, Congress typically passes a continuing resolution (CR) to maintain government funding temporarily. Republicans have proposed a seven-week “clean” CR to keep the government running through November 21 without any additional conditions.
Democrats, however, are pushing for a four-week CR that includes specific demands, including the restoration of health insurance coverage. With just a week remaining until the deadline, the risk of a shutdown is increasing, and the political standoff shows little sign of resolution.
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