The possibility of a government shutdown is looking more apparent after the White House threatened mass federal layoffs in response to Democrats’ votes.
On Sept. 19, Senate Republicans and Democrats voted on different funding proposals. The Republicans’ proposal included a plan to keep federal spending at current levels through Nov. 21 and secure $88 million in funding for increasing security for White House officials, Supreme Court justices and Congress following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The Democrats’ proposal would extend funding through Oct. 31 and secure $1 trillion in funding for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts from the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans passed their proposals — Democrats failed 47-45 while Republicans failed 44-48. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted for the Republican proposal, while Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul opposed it.
Congress needs to pass a funding bill by Sept. 30 to prevent a government shutdown. The Senate’s next votes take place on Sept. 29, and so far, there has been no deal made between the two parties to pass a bill.
Democrats have been vocal about not wanting to go along with the Republican proposal, as they had previously done in the past.
In a counter to the current funding gridlock, the White House released a memo to federal agencies notifying them to prepare for a mass layoff, putting more pressure on Democrats to come to an agreement on funding proposals.
However, Democrats condemned the White House threats, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries saying that they will not be intimidated by President Donald Trump.
If Congress does not approve of a funding bill by Sept. 30, many non-essential government services will close down until a funding bill is passed by Congress and signed by the president. Additionally, essential federal employees will work without pay, while non-essential workers are placed on temporary leave.
Some non-essential services that close down during a shutdown include national parks and museums, food and drug inspections, immigration services and IRS services.
It is not known how long this potential government shutdown may be, but the longest government shutdown in U.S. history occurred during Trump’s first term. The government was shut down for 35 days.
The Postal Service and Veterans Affairs offices in Fresno will still operate, but those looking forward to taking a day trip up to Yosemite may have to cancel their plans if a government shutdown occurs.
