Political deadlock over healthcare subsidies paralyzes Washington; 7.5 lakh federal employees forced to borrow money, critical services hit
WASHINGTON DC : The U.S. government shutdown entered its 22nd day, making it the second longest in American history after the 35-day halt in 2018. The funding impasse, triggered on October 1, has left nearly 750,000 federal employees on unpaid leave, many taking loans to meet daily expenses.
The U.S. Senate has already voted 11 times on a funding bill but continues to fall short of the required 60 votes , securing only 55 in the latest attempt. The deadlock stems from fierce disagreement over the Obama-era healthcare subsidy program: Democrats seek to expand subsidies for low-income citizens, while Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, fear the increased spending will further strain government finances.
The shutdown’s fallout is spreading fast. Essential staff in the military, border security, and air-traffic control are working without pay, while museums, national parks, and even the National Nuclear Security Agency face partial closure. Economists warn that the prolonged freeze is shaving 0.2 percent off GDP each week, dampening business confidence.
Trump has defended the shutdown, claiming it will “bring good changes” by cutting wasteful programs, while blaming Democrats for the crisis — a move critics say weaponizes governance. Political analysts believe a short shutdown could benefit Trump’s reform agenda, but the extended standoff risks eroding public trust and weakening the U.S. economy.
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