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The U.S. government is once again on the brink of a shutdown as lawmakers face a critical Wednesday deadline to pass funding legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. Without an agreement, large parts of the federal government would close, marking the 15th partial shutdown since 1981.
Republicans, who control both the House and Senate, are pushing for a short-term spending bill to keep the government open until November 21, giving Congress more time to finalize appropriations. However, Senate Democrats have rejected the stopgap measure, demanding it include reversals of recent Republican healthcare cuts.
President Donald Trump has invited congressional leaders from both parties to the White House on Monday to discuss a deal. In an interview, Trump expressed optimism, saying, “If they don’t make a deal, the country closes. So I get the impression they want to do something.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized on CNN that Republicans only want to “buy a little time” and urged Democrats to avoid holding government services hostage. Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed that sentiment, warning Democrats they are “playing with fire.”
Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, argue that any funding resolution must address healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Without action, roughly 24 million Americans could see higher insurance costs as temporary tax breaks expire.
If a shutdown occurs, federal workers could face furloughs, while services ranging from NASA programs to national parks and small business grants would be disrupted. Federal courts may also be forced to close temporarily.
Republicans insist healthcare issues should be handled separately after a temporary funding bill is passed, but Democrats remain firm. Both sides acknowledge the urgency, yet Monday’s meeting will determine if negotiations move forward or if the U.S. faces another costly shutdown.
