Washington, Oct 2 (V7N) – The United States government has entered a shutdown after Republicans and Democrats in the Senate failed to reach an agreement on a spending bill before the close of the fiscal year. This marks the first government shutdown in six years, with federal funding halted from midnight on Tuesday, leaving all but essential services suspended.

The shutdown has already begun to disrupt daily life. Emergency operations such as air traffic control and border security remain in place, but airline services, train schedules, and other public transportation are expected to face significant delays and cancellations. The Guardian reported that while flights will continue, passengers should expect disruptions. The U.S. embassy in Dhaka announced that, due to limited funding, its social media accounts will only post emergency security updates until operations resume. Pre-scheduled passport and visa services will continue for now.

According to the BBC, nearly 40 percent of federal employees—more than 750,000 workers—have been placed on unpaid leave. NASA has furloughed 83 percent of its staff, suspending most of its programs due to lack of funding. National parks across the country have also closed, with over 9,200 workers placed on leave. Meanwhile, the uncertainty has rattled global markets, with gold prices surging to a record $3,895 per ounce.

This is the first shutdown since 2018–2019, which occurred during Donald Trump’s presidency. Trump has already warned of significant federal layoffs, and the Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to prepare workforce reduction plans. Historically, nonessential federal employees are placed on unpaid leave during such shutdowns.

The failure to pass the bill reflects deep political divisions. On Tuesday, the last day of the fiscal year, Senate lawmakers fell short of the 60 votes needed to pass the funding bill, with 55 in favor and 45 against. Despite holding 53 Senate seats, Republicans could not secure enough support. Democrats and Republicans immediately began blaming each other, with the White House labeling it a “Democrat shutdown” while Democratic leaders accused Republicans of obstructing essential spending. Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X that “President Trump and Republicans caused this shutdown because they refuse to fund health care for the people.” Republican Speaker Mike Johnson countered, accusing Democrats of voting to halt government operations.

This shutdown is the 15th since 1980. While earlier ones often lasted only a few days, their duration has increased over the decades. President Ronald Reagan faced eight shutdowns, most brief, while Bill Clinton dealt with a prolonged one in 1995–96. More recent shutdowns occurred under George W. Bush, Barack Obama in 2013, and Donald Trump, who presided over the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

The latest shutdown threatens to strain public services and the economy at a critical time, with millions of Americans facing disruption in travel, work, and access to government support.

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