The federal government officially shut down at midnight after Republicans and Democrats in Congress failed to agree on a funding plan. The deadlock stems from disagreements over expanded Obamacare subsidies, with both parties determined not to shoulder the blame.
While every shutdown varies, critical services deemed essential—those tied to protecting life and property—will continue operating. Federal agencies have released contingency plans outlining which functions remain active and how many employees will still be on duty.
- The Department of Education will furlough most staff.
- The Department of Homeland Security, however, will keep the majority of its personnel working.
It remains unclear how long the shutdown will last. Earlier this week, the White House budget office instructed agencies to prepare for large-scale staff cuts if funding lapsed.
President Trump, speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, warned:
“We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible… like cutting vast numbers of people and cutting programs they like.”
OMB Director Russell Vought is expected to brief House Republicans Wednesday afternoon on next steps.
Vice President JD Vance, in his first remarks since the shutdown began, blamed Democrats during a Fox News interview on Wednesday morning. He accused them of holding the government “hostage” over health care demands.
“Let’s negotiate health care costs, but not while the government is closed. Essential services must continue,” Vance said.
Vance criticized what he described as the “far-left faction” of the Democratic Party, arguing they forced a shutdown over Obamacare premium support programs that don’t expire until next year. He suggested Democratic leaders would eventually yield to public and political pressure to reopen the government.
Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected those claims, insisting Republicans failed to engage in serious negotiations and were responsible for the shutdown.
