Key Updates (October 2025)
- The Trump administration, led by OMB chief Russ Vought, has announced mass firings of federal workers will begin “in a day or two,” not just furloughs. This is a new, more aggressive tactic compared to past shutdowns.
- The administration is targeting “maximum pain” for Democrats, including reviewing and potentially cutting infrastructure funds for blue states and threatening to withhold pay for active-duty military starting October 15 if the shutdown continues.
- While furloughed and working employees are still guaranteed back pay by law, permanent layoffs could mean some jobs are lost for good.
- The White House has also clawed back billions from projects in Democratic states, but made a small concession by reinstating $5 million for pandemic oversight after bipartisan Senate pressure.
What Stays Open
- Essential federal functions continue: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, FDA inspections, and mail delivery (USPS is independently funded).
- Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics remain open, but some services may be delayed.
- National parks mostly stay open, but may close if safety or health becomes an issue.
What Is Disrupted or Closed
- Staff shortages at airports could lead to flight delays or cancellations. Over 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, and about 3,500 aviation safety professionals are furloughed.
- Access to government data (like Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics) is disrupted.
- Education programs, including early childhood and federal student aid, may be delayed or disrupted.
- Some federal offices are closed or operating with reduced staff, causing delays in processing passports, visas, and other benefits.
- Food assistance, safety programs, and federally funded research may be paused or delayed.
Political Standoff and Next Steps
- Senate and House remain deadlocked, with both sides blaming each other. Senate Republicans are hoping to pressure Democrats by inflicting more pain as the shutdown drags on.
- Lawmakers are discussing possible off-ramps, including a bipartisan group working on a conservative proposal to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, but no deal is imminent.
- The shutdown will only end when Congress passes, and the President signs, new appropriations bills or a continuing resolution. The President cannot end a shutdown unilaterally.
Sources: Politico, Axios, AP News, PBS, Al Jazeera, Congressional FAQs