US federal government shuts down

There have been at least 15 such shutdowns since 1980.

The first day of October 2025 saw the shutdown of the US federal government amidst an impasse in Congress over funding for the new fiscal year.

With Republicans and Democrats at odds, a spending package failed to be passed before the 1 October start. A stopgap funding deal was not reached, either.

Amongst other things, Democrats are pushing for an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

On day one of the full shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told CNN: "We're ready to work together to bring it back open, but to do it in a way where we enact a spending agreement that's bipartisan, that meets the needs of the American people, whilst at the same time addresses the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating everyday Americans all across the country."

Meanwhile the White House, explicitly blaming Democrats for the shutdown, said on its website: "Democrats' proposal would result in nearly $200 billion spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants and other non-citizens over the next decade."

According to Congressional Research Service data published by the BBC, there had been 15 government shutdowns in the US since 1980, including 2018's record 35-day funding gap. The current one adds to the list.

The US government shutdown, which is expected to result in layoffs and economic losses, will likely impact federal contracts awarded to businesses.