Senate Block Keeps US Government Shutdown in Place
Efforts to end the United States government shutdown faced a setback on Wednesday, October 1, after the Senate voted against a proposal intended to resolve the standoff between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats.
With no agreement reached, federal offices and agencies remain closed from midnight. Nearly 750,000 federal employees are expected to be placed on furlough, with salaries suspended until operations resume. Essential staff, including members of the military and border security forces, may be required to continue working without pay, and many could miss their upcoming paychecks.
Trump’s push for budget cuts
The shutdown comes at a time when President Trump is pressing to reduce the size of government departments. The White House has cautioned that some furloughs could eventually become permanent job losses. Speaking to reporters, Trump remarked that shutdowns can bring “positive outcomes,” adding that it provides an opportunity to eliminate programs he characterized as Democratic priorities.
Democrats press for health care support
Senate Democrats, meanwhile, have stood firm on their demand for continued health care subsidies for low-income families. Their refusal to back the temporary funding measure passed by the House has deepened the deadlock.
No breakthrough in negotiations
House Republicans cleared a stop-gap bill designed to keep federal operations running until late November. However, the Senate requires 60 votes to advance the measure to the President’s desk. Democrats have maintained that they will not agree without commitments on spending protections, particularly in the health care sector.