Annual funding for much of the federal government expired at 11:59pm ET on Sept. 30, 2025, and certain activities have ceased due to a lack of appropriated funding. The government shutdown began with the Senate rejecting both Republican and Democratic stopgap funding bills, leaving Congress deadlocked. The House-passed GOP measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, 2025, failed 55–45, falling short of the 60 votes needed; three Democrats: Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Angus King (I-ME), joined most Republicans in support, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) opposed. A Democratic stopgap also failed along party lines.

On the floor, a bipartisan group of senators discussed possible alternatives, including a 10- to 14-day continuing resolution (CR) to create time for negotiations on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Democrats expressed openness to linking a short-term CR with ACA talks, while Republican leadership maintained that subsidy negotiations should not be tied directly to government funding.

Senate leaders recessed on Oct. 2, 2025, for Yom Kippur, with votes likely resuming Friday. In the background, the White House has signaled it is prepared to use the shutdown to make broad structural changes. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought is consulting with House Republicans, and President Trump has said the administration could cut federal programs and benefits during the shutdown. Read more here.