On Wednesday evening, the U.S. Senate failed yet again to approve a short-term spending bill, plunging the federal government into its first shutdown in almost seven years.
Lawmakers voted on competing proposals from Democrats and Republicans. Democrats sought stronger healthcare funding, while Republicans accused them of trying to extend free healthcare to undocumented immigrants.
At a Fox News interview, Vice President JD Vance blamed Senate Democrats: 'Now, Senate Democrats are shutting down the government and holding the economy hostage because they want to reinstate those benefits for illegal aliens.'
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took to X to defend his party: 'Republicans shut down the government because they can't be bothered to protect health care for Americans across this country.' He later dismissed GOP claims about healthcare funding as lies: 'Not a single federal dollar goes to providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants. NOT. ONE. PENNY.'
Government shutdowns have become a periodic feature of a divided Washington, but this one comes against a more turbulent backdrop as former President Trump seeks to enact hard-right policies, including major cuts to entire departments.
Beyond the halls of Congress, the shutdown means national parks will close, permit applications will stall, and thousands of federal workers may face furloughs or layoffs. 'If this thing drags on for another few weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,' Vance cautioned at a White House briefing. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the warning, saying layoffs could happen 'very soon.'
From Silicon Valley startups watching stock dips to digital nomads planning cross-country trips through closed national parks, the shutdown's reach extends far beyond Capitol Hill. Global markets, businesses, and travelers will be watching closely, bracing for ripple effects from the nation's capital.
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U.S. Senate fails to approve spending bill to end government shutdown
cgtn.com
