The government is shutting down because Congress has failed to approve new funding for the federal government before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025. Republicans and Democrats are at an impasse over the spending bill. Republicans want to extend funding at current levels until November 21, but Democrats want to attach healthcare provisions and restrictions on President Trump’s ability to withhold funding, which Republicans oppose. Without an agreement, many federal agencies cannot spend money, leading to a shutdown that would halt non-essential government operations and furlough many federal workers without pay. This standoff also reflects deeper political conflicts, particularly concerning healthcare subsidies and budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration, which has been actively reducing the size of the federal government. Essential services like border security and emergency medical care would continue during the shutdown, but many other services would stop until funding is restored.