The United States is at risk of another government shutdown due to disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over funding legislation. The deadline for passing a short-term bill to keep the government open is Tuesday, with thousands of federal workers potentially being furloughed if no agreement is reached. Congressional leaders are set to meet with President Trump on Monday in an effort to strike a deal that would allow lawmakers to pass a stopgap measure and buy some time. The current impasse is the result of Republican cuts to healthcare programs, which Democrats demand be undone. A shutdown would disrupt services such as NASA, national parks, federal courts, and grants for small businesses, affecting around 24 million Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act.
The Republican leadership is urging Democrats to support a short-term funding bill that would fund the government through November 21, allowing appropriators to continue working out spending bills. However, Senate Democrats have rejected the proposal, demanding that any legislation undo recent Republican cuts to healthcare programs. The White House meeting is seen as an opportunity for Trump to pressure Democrats into agreeing to a deal.
If Congress fails to act, thousands of federal workers could be furloughed, and services would be disrupted. The current deadlock is the 15th partial shutdown since 1981, with no clear solution in sight. Congressional leaders are holding out hope that further talks will take place ahead of the deadline.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-urge-democrats-agree-short-term-bill-keep-us-government-open-2025-09-28