US government shutdown begins as partisan division rules Washington

WASHINGTON: The US government shut down much of its operations on Wednesday as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal, setting off what could be a long, grueling standoff that could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs.

There was no clear path out of the impasse, while agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would halt the release of a closely watched September employment report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from US troops and lead to the furlough of 750,000 federal workers at a daily cost of $400 million.

Trump, whose campaign to radically reshape the federal government is already on track to push out some 300,000 workers by December, warned congressional Democrats that a shutdown could clear the path for "irreversible" actions, including cutting more jobs and programs.

The shutdown commenced hours after the Senate rejected a short-term spending measure that would have kept government operations afloat through November 21. Democrats opposed the legislation over Republicans' refusal to attach an extension of health benefits for millions of Americans, which are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say the issue must be addressed separately.

At issue on the government funding front is $1.7 trillion for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of the government's total $7 trillion budget. Much of the remainder goes to health and retirement programs and interest payments on the growing $37.5 trillion debt.

Independent analysts warn the shutdown could last longer than the budget-related closures of the past, with Trump and White House officials threatening to punish Democrats with cuts to government programs and the federal payroll. Trump budget director Russell Vought, who has called for "less bipartisan" appropriations, threatened permanent layoffs last week in the event of a shutdown.

Record dates to first Trump term

The longest government shutdown in US history stretched over 35 days during December 2018 and January 2019 during Trump's first term in office, in a dispute over border security.

"All they want to do is try to bully us. And they're not going to succeed," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech a day after a White House meeting with Trump and other congressional leaders that ended with the two parties far apart.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the failed short-term spending bill as a "nonpartisan" measure devoid of partisan policy riders that Democrats have had no problem accepting in years past.

"What's changed is, President Trump is in the White House. That's what this is about. This is politics. And there isn't any substantive reason why there ought to be a government shutdown," the South Dakota Republican told reporters.

Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, but legislative rules require 60 of the 100 senators to agree on spending legislation. That means that at least seven Democrats are needed to pass a funding bill.

Democrats focus on healthcare funding

Democrats are under pressure from their frustrated supporters to score a rare victory ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of Trump's term.

The healthcare push has given them a chance to unite behind an issue that resonates with voters.

Along with the extended health subsidies, Democrats have also sought to ensure that Trump will not be able to undo those changes if they are signed into law. Trump has refused to spend billions of dollars approved by Congress, prompting some Democrats to question why they should vote for any spending legislation at all.

University of Chicago professor Robert Pape said the unusually polarized US political climate in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination and the growing power on the extreme wings of both parties could make it harder for party leaders to agree on a deal to reopen the government.

"The rules of politics are radically changing, and we can't know for sure where all of this is going to end," said University of Chicago political science professor Robert Pape, who studies political violence.

"Each side would have to backtrack against tens of millions of truly aggressive supporters, their own constituents, which is going to be really hard for them to do," he said.

Before the shutdown, Trump reached out to his own supporters with a deepfake video showing manipulated images of Schumer appearing to criticize Democrats while top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries stood next to him, with a crudely drawn sombrero and mustache imposed over his face.

"It was childish. It was petty," Schumer told reporters. "It's something that a 5-year-old would do, not a president of the United States. But it shows how unserious they are. They don't give a damn about the harm they will cause with their shutdown."

What would stay open, what would close?

According to Reuters' earlier report, at least 21 of the 23 largest federal agencies posted details about which employees they would furlough. Here is a guide to what would stay open and what would close in a government shutdown, according to plans released so far:

What happens to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

The Social Security Administration would keep issuing retirement and disability benefits but would furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan.

Payments would likewise continue under the Medicare and Medicaid healthcare programs.

Will food aid be continued under SNAP and WIC?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the nation's largest food aid program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, would continue operations during a shutdown as funds allow, according to a shutdown planning document published by the US Department of Agriculture.

Does the mail get delivered if the government closes?

The US Postal Service would be unaffected because it does not depend on Congress for funding, USPS said in a statement. Post offices will be open.

What does a shutdown mean for the Internal Revenue Service?

The IRS will be fully staffed for five days, according to agency shutdown plans published Monday.

The strategy does not say what the IRS, which lost about a quarter of its staff this year and now employs about 75,000 people, would do if the shutdown lasts longer than five business days. An agency spokesperson declined to comment.

What about the airports?

More than 13,000 air traffic controllers would continue working, but without pay until the shutdown ends, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Most TSA employees would continue working, according to an agency statement.

Will federal courts be fully operational?

Last week, the federal judiciary warned that the courts could run out of money to fully sustain operations as soon as Friday if Congress fails to pass a spending bill.

That is a shift. The courts sustained operations for five weeks when the government shut down during Trump's first term.

What does a shutdown mean for the military?

The 2 million US military personnel would remain at their posts without pay until the shutdown ends, according to a Department of Defense statement.

National Guard forces that Trump has deployed to US cities must also continue to work.

Contracts awarded before the shutdown would continue, and the department could place new orders for supplies or services needed to protect national security.

Trump has ordered the department to rename itself the Department of War, a change that will require action by Congress.

How does a government shutdown affect law enforcement?

Agents at the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Coast Guard and other federal law enforcement agencies would remain on the job.

What happens to borders and homeland security?

Justice Department staff who administer the immigration court system will largely stay on the job because Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency, according to a department statement.

Employees who communicate with state and local officials about immigrant arrests would also keep working, according to the statement. Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents would stay at their posts, as would most customs officers, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s shutdown strategy.

Tariff collections would continue, according to the strategy.

Does a shutdown delay key economic data?

Publication of major US economic data, including employment and GDP reports of critical importance to policymakers and investors, would be suspended.

Does a government shutdown affect small businesses?

The Small Business Administration would furlough 24% of its staff, according to a statement. It would not approve new loans for small businesses to buy equipment and upgrade buildings. 

Lending to help businesses recover from natural disasters would continue.

What happens if there is a natural disaster?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has about $2.3 billion available in its Disaster Relief Fund, according to a September 15 report, meaning the agency should function if a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes. About 4,000 FEMA employees would be furloughed, according to an agency statement.