Government Shutdown Threatens Federal Workers and Sparks Widespread Service Disruption. Triggers Threat of Mass Layoffs!

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The US government has closed many of its offices and services after Congress failed to pass a funding bill before the midnight deadline. This is the first government shutdown in six years and the 15th since 1981. It could bring deep damage to federal employees, the economy, and everyday life.

The Senate voted 55 - 45 on a short-term bill but fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. With no deal, agencies now must stop many services.

Services Hit Hard

The shutdown blocks the release of the monthly jobs report and slows air travel. Scientific studies will be put on hold. The Education Department expects nearly 90% of staff to be furloughed. The Environmental Protection Agency will pause pollution cleanup. The Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and many national parks will close. Even the Labor Department’s unemployment report is suspended.

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Workers Face Uncertainty

Around 750,000 federal workers face the risk of remaining idle. Military staff, border patrol, and air traffic controllers will keep working but without pay until the shutdown ends. The government will lose about $400 million each day it stays closed. President Donald Trump also warned that mass layoffs could follow, raising fear of permanent job cuts.

This comes on top of a record wave of 154,000 buyouts accepted by federal workers this week, the largest in 80 years. Unions have already filed lawsuits against the administration, saying mass firings would break labor laws.

Why It Happened

The main fight is over healthcare. Democrats demand that the spending bill extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire. Without them, premiums for about 24 million Americans could rise, especially in states like Texas and Florida. Republicans refused to add those extensions and said health care should be handled in a separate debate.

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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of trying to “bully” Democrats by blocking healthcare. Senate Republican leaders blamed Democrats for putting politics ahead of governance.

Bigger Impact

The shutdown is already slowing decisions in Washington. Key financial reports are on hold. Some federal courts may not function fully if the shutdown lasts long. Economists warn that if it stretches for weeks, areas with many government workers, like Washington, DC, could see a downturn close to recession levels.

With both sides refusing to give ground, the shutdown could drag on. Until a deal is reached, millions of Americans will feel the effect, from missed paychecks to closed parks.

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