**Title: Congress Faces Deadline to Prevent Government Shutdown**

The federal government is on the brink of a shutdown as Congress struggles to reach a funding agreement. If no deal is made, the shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Democrats and Republicans are at an impasse over health care and spending issues. The House of Representatives has passed a seven-week funding extension, but Senate Democrats insist that any agreement must include health care benefits. They are particularly concerned about expiring subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, which they argue could lead to higher insurance premiums for millions of Americans.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration over the lack of bipartisan input in the Republican proposal, calling it a “joke shutdown.” He stated, “Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input. That is never how we've done this before.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of averting a shutdown. He stated, “You know me, I'm an optimist. But I am a little skeptical this morning.” Johnson criticized Democrats for what he described as a “very reckless strategy,” suggesting that their actions are driven by political motivations rather than a genuine effort to negotiate.

The Senate is expected to vote on the House-passed funding measure again on Tuesday. However, the bill previously failed to advance in the Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the decision to avoid a shutdown lies with the Democrats, stating, “We have a clean, short-term bipartisan CR sitting at the desk. It's up to them.”

As the deadline approaches, the House is not in session, complicating any last-minute negotiations. White House officials have indicated that a government shutdown is likely.

If a shutdown occurs, thousands of federal workers could face furloughs or layoffs. The average length of government shutdowns since the 1970s is eight days, but the last shutdown lasted 35 days. Federal employees and military personnel will receive back pay once the government reopens, but the duration of any shutdown remains uncertain.

During a shutdown, various government services will be affected differently. The IRS plans to use leftover funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to pay employees for the initial days. Essential services, such as Social Security and Medicare, will continue, but economic reports and data releases may be delayed. National parks could close or limit services, impacting families with planned visits.

The Trump administration has hinted at potential mass firings and furloughs, but it is unclear whether this is a serious threat or a negotiating tactic. As the situation develops, both parties appear poised to reject each other's proposals, leaving the government shutdown looming.