The U.S. government is hours away from its first shutdown in nearly seven years after the Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill Tuesday night. With midnight deadlines looming, federal agencies could halt non-essential services, affecting millions of workers and citizens. 💸🔴
Party Lines Clash Over Healthcare
Democrats blocked the Republican-backed resolution, demanding stronger healthcare protections—including extended Affordable Care Act subsidies and coverage for refugees and asylum seekers. Republicans called for a temporary funding extension to buy negotiation time. 🏥🤝
Blame Game Heats Up
President Trump accused Democrats of wanting a shutdown over immigration policies, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fired back on social media: "This is Donald Trump's shutdown. He owns it." The stalemate echoes 2018’s 35-day shutdown, which cost the economy $3 billion. 📉💬
What’s at Stake?
A staggering $1.7 trillion in agency funding hangs in the balance—roughly a quarter of the federal budget. Experts warn shutdowns waste taxpayer money by paying idle workers and disrupting services. As Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget put it: "Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money." 📊🚨
Will Congress strike a last-minute deal like in 2024 and 2025? Stay tuned for updates. ⏳🌐
