ALWAGHT- The United States has gone into shutdown once more as Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, were unable to reach a budget agreement with Democratic lawmakers.
The US government entered a shutdown Wednesday after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, halting key federal services. President Donald Trump escalated tensions by threatening mass layoffs of federal employees, saying the pause could be used to eliminate “Democrat things.” Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some at risk of permanent dismissal, as unions sue the administration over alleged illegal threats.
Democratic leaders accused Trump and Republicans of shutting down the government to undermine healthcare protections, vowing not to be intimidated by threats against workers. While Republicans hold congressional majorities, they lack the 60 Senate votes needed to advance their bill, giving Democrats leverage to block proposals that would restrict affordable healthcare access. The Senate is set to vote again on the same measures that previously failed.
This shutdown follows the 2018–2019 standoff, the longest in modern US history, which cost the economy billions. Analysts warn that the current crisis could have an even sharper impact, with disruptions to paychecks and essential services felt within days. Economists emphasize that shutdowns disproportionately harm ordinary Americans while leaving political deadlocks unresolved.
