Summary
A U.S. government shutdown started on October 1 because Congress couldn't agree on a funding bill. As a result, many federal services are disrupted, and a significant number of federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. This shutdown has lasted over a month, making it the second-longest in U.S. history.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown began on October 1 due to a budget disagreement between Democrats and Republicans.
- About 730,000 federal employees are working without pay, and 670,000 are furloughed without pay.
- Essential services like the military and law enforcement continue, although workers may not get paid until the shutdown ends.
- The shutdown is now over a month old, marking it as the second-longest in U.S. history.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened further layoffs during the dispute.
- Since 1976, there have been 20 funding gaps leading to 10 government shutdowns.
- Previous government shutdowns usually last a few days, but the longest in history was the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019.
- During a shutdown, non-essential services, such as national parks and museums, are closed or reduced.
