The United States government is facing a shutdown, resuming a pattern not seen since 2019. The main cause is a breakdown in negotiations over a funding bill between US President Trump and the Congress, leading to the potential for 900,000 federal employees being furloughed.
Though certain essential government services remain operational, previous shutdowns have caused disruptions, including cancellation of immigration hearings and delays in financial assistance. The most extended shutdown in the past persisted for 35 days, concluding in late January 2019.
The core problem this time is the presence of Medicaid cuts in a funding bill proposed by Republicans. Democrats are insisting that these cuts be removed and that tax credits for health insurance be increased, a position the Republicans have not accepted.
This situation resembles the shutdown that occurred during Trump’s first term, triggered by disputes over funding for the US-Mexico border wall. The shutdown is occurring because the US fiscal year starts on October 1st. If a new budget isn’t passed by then, government operations are forced to halt.
According to House Representative Ami Bera, the shutdown can only conclude when Congress adopts a new appropriations bill and the President signs it. This necessitates an agreement between Republicans and Democrats, which is proving to be challenging. The Republicans are prepared to keep voting on a funding bill in the Senate. Trump has assigned the blame for the shutdown to the Democrats.