From this Wednesday (1st), the first stoppage of the government since 2019. It was decreed after Congress could not approve a provisional budget that maintained federal funding. As a result, hundreds of thousands of servers will be temporarily removed or work without salary until there is agreement. The impasse revolves around health spending.
Os They condition the approval of the budget to the extension of medical care programs that are about to expire. According to the party, without this extension, 24 million Americans will have higher costs in their plans, especially in states governed by Republicans, such as e. Republicans, led by, argue that the health issue is treated separately and accuse opponents of using the budget as a political exchange currency on the eve of the 2026 legislative elections.
On Tuesday night (30), the Senate tried to vote two proposals, but both failed. The Republican plan, which would extend the financing until November 21, had 55 votes, five less than necessary. The Democratic project, which provided for additional health resources, also did not get a majority.
The White House, in a statement, classified the crisis as “Shutdown Democrat.” Trump himself has hardened the speech and said he could resign federal servants and end Democratic programs during the stoppage. “Let’s dismiss a lot of people. And they will be Democrats,” he said.
Immediate impacts
With closing, only essential services are working, such as public safety, border inspection and part of air control. Among the expected consequences:
- Public servants: Thousands will be placed on unpaid license. Those in essential functions, such as air traffic controllers, will have to work without receiving. Payment will be made retroactively when the budget is approved.
- Aviation and Tourism: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has removed 11 thousand employees. Another 13,000 controllers continue working without salary. Delays on flights and larger lines at airports are expected. National parks, museums and the statue of freedom should suspend visits.
- Services to the population: Retirement and disability payments are still maintained, as is the postal service. Food assistance programs can be limited if the stoppage is extended.
- Defense: About half of the 742,000 civilian employees of the Pentagon will be removed. Two million military personnel remain in their posts. Official visits of state heads scheduled for the coming days must be canceled.
- Economy: Congress Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 750,000 servers will be in a “partial unemployment” situation, with losses of up to $ 400 million per week. Analysts estimate that each week of shutdown can reduce US GDP growth by 0.2 percentage point.
The last stoppage had occurred between December 2018 and January 2019, also under Donald Trump, and lasted 35 days. The estimated cost was $ 3 billion, with direct impact on GDP and public services. Now, with legislative elections, approaching, Democrats and Republicans exchange accusations about responsibility for the impasse, while millions of Americans face the uncertainty of new cuts and delays in government services.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
