U.S. Government Shutdown Imminent: Senate Rejects Funding Proposals

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday rejected competing funding bills, moving the country closer to a government shutdown set to take effect at midnight.

Senate Deadlock on Funding Measures

Democratic senators blocked the funding measure passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. This came after the Senate had already voted down a separate proposal put forward by Democrats.

On Monday, Vice President J.D. Vance predicted a government shutdown, arguing that Democrats are unwilling to “do the right thing” for the country and instead are trying to push their own agenda.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged that Democrats have “major differences” with the ruling party on public health. “It’s up to Republicans to decide whether they want to shut down the government or not,” Schumer said.

What a Shutdown Entails

A federal government shutdown would lead to the closure of nonessential public services and agencies, as well as the temporary furlough of a large portion of federal employees.