Heads up! The U.S. Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill on Wednesday, plunging the federal government into its first shutdown in nearly seven years 😱.
Lawmakers put forward two rival versions of the bill—one from Democrats and one from Republicans—but neither got the green light. The main battleground? Healthcare funding. Democrats want stronger support, while Republicans claim they’re pushing to give free healthcare to undocumented immigrants.
Vice President JD Vance didn’t hold back: “Now, Senate Democrats are shutting down the government and holding the economy hostage because they want to reinstate those benefits for illegal aliens,” he told Fox News.
On X, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fired back: “Republicans shut down the government because they can’t be bothered to protect health care for Americans across this country.” He also slammed a false claim that federal dollars cover undocumented immigrants’ health insurance: “This is a lie. Not a single federal dollar goes to providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants. NOT. ONE. PENNY.”
Shutdowns have become a classic feature of gridlock in Washington. The last one was a record-breaking 35-day pause in 2019. When they hit, everyday services—from national parks to permit applications—get paused, leaving millions waiting.
This round comes as former President Trump pushes for sweeping hard-right policies, even slashing entire government departments. The White House now warns that many furloughed workers could face layoffs if the shutdown drags on.
“Let’s be honest, if this thing drags on for another few days, or, God forbid, another few weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” Vance cautioned at a press briefing.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the warning: she expects layoffs “very soon.”
As the standoff continues, young voters and budget-watchers alike are left wondering: How long will the shutdown last, and who will pay the price if talks stall any longer?
Reference(s):
U.S. Senate fails to approve spending bill to end government shutdown
cgtn.com
