US Government Shutdown Looms as Funding Bill Fails

The United States is on the brink of a federal government shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a short-term funding bill. The deadline for funding expires at 11:59 PM tonight, prompting the White House to instruct agencies to prepare for an orderly shutdown. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) criticized Democratic senators for their demands, calling them “insane.” President Trump has expressed support for a GOP-backed resolution that would extend funding through November 21 while lawmakers negotiate fiscal priorities for 2026.

If the shutdown occurs, hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be furloughed. A furlough means employees are temporarily asked to stay away from work without pay, but it does not equate to job loss. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to furlough approximately 89% of its staff, while the Education Department may furlough around 87%. Other agencies facing significant furloughs include the Department of Commerce (81%), Labor (76%), and Defense (45%).

Essential services will continue during the shutdown, including military operations, Social Security payments, and Medicare benefits. However, many government functions will be disrupted. New grant-making and research at the Education Department and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will pause, and the processing of certain loan applications by the Small Business Administration will be halted.

The ongoing deadlock between Republicans and Democrats has left little hope for a last-minute resolution. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of trying to “bully” Democrats over health care subsidies, which are a key point of contention. Trump has threatened mass layoffs of federal employees if the shutdown occurs, adding to the tension.

As the situation develops, agencies have been instructed to execute their shutdown plans, with the length of the shutdown remaining uncertain. A follow-up memo from the OMB will be issued once Congress passes a funding bill and the president signs it. The public can expect delays in government services and longer response times as the shutdown unfolds.