Imagine your favorite video game freezing at the final boss—frustrating, right? That’s basically what happened in Washington at the stroke of midnight on Oct. 1: the US government hit pause. Let’s break down why this shutdown isn’t just a random bug, but months in the making. 🎮🇺🇸
History on repeat: The US has pulled the shutdown move 20 times since 1976, with the last (and binge-worthy) stint in 2019 lasting 34 days—the longest ever. And yes, this is shutdown number 21… or maybe just the third in 12 years if you wanna keep score.
The funding fight: Every federal agency needs cash to keep rolling—parks, air traffic control, social programs, you name it. When Congress can’t agree on the budget by the deadline, non-essential services close up shop.
- Tax cuts vs. Medicaid cuts: Earlier this year, President Trump passed a bill—nicknamed the "Big Beautiful Bill"—that extended tax cuts for higher earners but tightened wallets for healthcare programs like Medicaid. Experts warn this could push millions off coverage.
- Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare): Democrats want to keep health insurance subsidies alive beyond year-end so families don’t face sticker shock. Republicans have long eyed Obamacare for repeal.
More than healthcare: This standoff isn’t only about medical bills. Democrats are also up in arms over:
- Use of federal troops in US cities to handle protests.
- A hardline deportation policy on migrants.
- Deep workforce cuts sparked by Elon Musk’s "DOGE policy".
With Democrats in the minority in both houses of Congress, they’ve struggled to block these moves—fueling more tension in the budget showdown.
What’s next? Until lawmakers strike a deal on funding levels and policy priorities, the shutdown continues—impacting services, paychecks, and everyday life. Stay tuned as both sides chase that final checkpoint! ⚖️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
