US Braces for Possible Shutdown as Funding Deadline Looms

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Washington
• Sep 30, 2025
• 442

The United States faces the threat of its first government shutdown in President Donald Trump’s second term, with lawmakers deadlocked over a funding bill that must pass before midnight on Tuesday. If no deal is reached by 12 a.m. Wednesday, federal funding will halt, forcing nearly 900,000 employees into furlough.

At the heart of the dispute is the Obama-era health care subsidy program. Democrats are pushing for increased subsidies to support citizens during what they call a growing health crisis. Republicans, however, fear higher subsidies will balloon government spending and impact other vital sectors.

Efforts to bridge the divide faltered Monday night, when President Trump met Democratic leaders at the White House without producing any breakthrough.

The urgency stems from the U.S. fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Each year, Congress must approve a budget outlining federal spending for areas such as defense, health, and education. Without this funding bill, large parts of the government grind to a halt.

Democratic leaders placed the responsibility squarely on the president. Senator Chuck Schumer said, “The decision rests with Trump. If he agrees, we can avert a shutdown.” Congressman Peter Welch added, “We are facing a health crisis. Trump should accept the decisions of Congress.”

Republicans countered by accusing Democrats of weaponizing the subsidies issue. Congressman Josh Hawley argued, “What does a shutdown have to do with health subsidies? We’re willing to negotiate, but don’t shut down the government.” Another Republican, Eric Schmidt, claimed, “Schumer is afraid to work with Trump. This will upset the American people.”

If the government does shut down, essential services such as healthcare, border security, and air travel would continue. But salaries for federal workers and non-emergency functions would be suspended.

The U.S. has endured 20 shutdowns in the last 50 years, with three occurring during Trump’s first term. The 2019 shutdown, the longest in history, dragged on for 35 days and cost the economy nearly Rs 25,000 crore.

As the clock ticks down, Americans brace themselves for yet another high-stakes budget battle in Washington.