The U.S. government shut down most of its operations on Wednesday, as severe partisan divisions obstructed Congress and the White House from reaching a funding agreement. This has ignited a prolonged and challenging crisis that could result in thousands of federal job losses.
There was no clear resolution in sight, as agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would hinder the release of the closely watched September jobs report, disrupt air travel, suspend scientific research, delay payments to U.S. military personnel, and affect around 750,000 federal employees at a daily cost of $400 million.
This shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, follows the longest closure in U.S. history, which lasted 35 days, and commenced after Republicans failed to extend government funding beyond the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday.
Democratic Rejection
Democratic leaders in Congress rejected the Republican party’s proposal unless it included provisions for extending pandemic-era health insurance support and restoring billions in funding for foreign aid and other programs that were slashed during the Trump administration.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that lawmakers would make another attempt on Wednesday morning.
During an appearance on Fox News, Thune remarked, “I hope there are enough reasonable Democrats out there. We received three votes last night… and we’ll vote on it again tomorrow.”
“Hopefully, we can gather more votes, and ultimately, we’ll have enough to pass this and keep the government running.”
Thune also expressed optimism that Senate Democrats would “begin to fold as they realize this is a losing hand.”
A poll conducted by The New York Times in conjunction with Siena College showed that 65% of registered voters oppose a government shutdown “even if [Democrats’] demands are not met.” Among registered Democrats, 43% are against a government closure regardless of any concessions from Republicans.
Moreover, 59% of independent voters opposed a shutdown under any circumstances, as did 92% of Republicans.
Trump and his Republican allies accused Democrats of attempting to include “free healthcare for undocumented immigrants” in the legislation aimed at keeping the government open, an accusation that Democratic leaders denied.
Earlier on Tuesday, the president hinted at “irreversible” measures that could be taken, including laying off federal workers once the government is closed.
While speaking to reporters about Democrats, Trump stated, “There are things we can do during the shutdown that are irreversible, which are bad for them and irreversible for them, like eliminating large numbers of people and cutting back on things they enjoy, and reducing programs they like.”
Meanwhile, the White House website featured a countdown, announcing that the “Democrat shutdown is imminent” as midnight approached.