US Govt shuts down after Senate fails to pass funding bill

New Delhi, Oct 1: The US federal government has shut down after the Senate failed to approve a last-minute funding bill, forcing hundreds of thousands of workers onto unpaid leave and suspending a range of government programs.

The Republican-controlled Senate attempted to pass a “clean” continuing resolution to extend funding, but fell short of the 60 votes required.

With only 53 seats, Republicans needed Democratic support, which was withheld as Democrats pushed for guarantees on health-care subsidies and Medicaid funding. The deadlock marks the first government shutdown since 2018. Essential workers, including those in security and emergency services, will continue to report to duty, though some may go without pay. Non-essential federal employees have been placed on furlough. Both parties traded blame for the impasse, with Republicans accusing Democrats of obstructing, and Democrats insisting Republicans refused to negotiate on key policy issues.

Shutdowns have become more frequent in recent decades, with the 2018–19 closure under President Donald Trump lasting 35 days, the longest in US history. The current standoff will persist until Congress agrees on a new spending measure.