U.S. Federal Funding Bill Stalemate Shuts Down Government Again; Trump Seizes Opportunity to Undermine Democrat-Led States | WPN World People News

The U.S. federal government has once again shut down after lawmakers from both parties vetoed each other’s proposals to extend federal funding. With Congress in recess for Yom Kippur, the earliest possible time to reschedule a vote is October 3. As a result, government departments are once again left in limbo, and reports indicate the White House may initiate a new round of federal employee layoffs within the next couple of days.

President Donald Trump stated on September 30 that he intended to use a government shutdown to target Democratic priorities and institutions. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), said the administration aims to halt funding for infrastructure projects in Democrat-led states, announcing the cancellation of $8 billion in green energy programs and warning that funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program will be cut.

Federal funding for two major New York infrastructure projects—the Second Avenue Subway and the Hudson Tunnel to New Jersey—amounting to roughly $18 billion, has also been frozen. Decisions on which services will continue to operate will be based on safety considerations and remaining budget resources, as determined by the President and the OMB.

During Trump’s first term in 2018, the government experienced its longest-ever shutdown, lasting 35 days. The impasse ended only after Trump compromised on funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall. Historically, all federal shutdowns have resulted from bipartisan negotiation failures, with federal employees being the most directly affected. Around 420,000 workers are forced to work without pay, while 380,000 are furloughed. Although back pay is often issued afterward, the shutdowns still cause widespread disruption to people’s lives.