Ongoing political stalemate leaves thousands of employees unpaid and key programs uncertain
The United States federal government shutdown has reached its 22nd day, with no agreement in sight between Republicans and Democrats. As negotiations remain stalled, millions of Americans are feeling the impact of the halted federal operations.
Thousands of federal workers have gone without full pay since the shutdown began. Although federal law guarantees back pay once the government reopens, uncertainty remains over when that will happen. The president has tied the shutdown to his goal of reducing the size of government, raising concerns among employees affected by potential workforce reductions.
Causes of the shutdown and its widespread effects
The current shutdown stems from disagreements over the extension of health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Around 24 million Americans who do not have job-based or public health insurance rely on these marketplaces for coverage.
The debate over tax credits and funding for health care programs has prevented Congress from passing a new budget, prolonging the standoff. Among those most affected are members of the military and families depending on federal assistance. The Department of Defense used unused research funds to temporarily pay active-duty service members, but that measure only covered one pay period. Many military families have turned to food banks for help covering essential expenses.
Social programs and federal agencies facing strain
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continues to operate using leftover funds, while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as food stamps — is funded only through October. State agencies warn that school lunch reimbursements may soon be delayed if the shutdown persists.
The U.S. Postal Service remains fully operational thanks to its self-funded model, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) faces a partial shutdown. Nearly half of its 74,000 employees have been furloughed, and others continue working with limited resources to prepare systems for the upcoming tax-filing season.
