Government shutdown latest; Senate rejects spending bills; layoffs loom Zac Anderson, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Bart Jansen, Zach Wichter and Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY October 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM 242 Senators on Monday failed to strike a funding deal for the fifth time – guaranteeing that the go...
- - Government shutdown latest; Senate rejects spending bills; layoffs loom
Zac Anderson, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Bart Jansen, Zach Wichter and Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY October 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
242
Senators on Monday failed to strike a funding deal for the fifth time – guaranteeing that the government shutdown will drag on even longer.
The Senate again shot down dueling bills authored by Republicans and Democrats. There's still no surefire end in sight to the fiscal crisis, which has shuttered a swath of federal agencies and services across the country.
President Donald Trump over the weekend continued to blame Democrats for Congress' failure to reach a funding agreement, bringing up the topic during an event honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. The two-term Republican assured service members who are currently working without pay that they would get checks soon and even promised "across-the-board" raises.
Back on Capitol Hill, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, accused Republicans of shutting down the government rather than supporting health care for "hardworking American taxpayers." As a condition for their much-needed Senate votes to fund the federal government, Democrats are pushing Republicans to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Pay has been suspended for roughly 2 million federal workers, and about 750,000 workers remain on furlough following the Oct. 1 funding lapse. Other workers considered essential to public safety and national security, such as troops and air traffic control workers, are still required to work without pay.
The Trump administration has already reduced the federal workforce by more than 200,000 employees, according to the Partnership for Public Service.
The Senate will consider the bills again this week. The House of Representatives isn't scheduled to return until Oct. 14, nearly two months since lawmakers in that chamber last voted.
'Very good things could happen': Trump talks health care with Democrats
Trump said he and congressional Republicans are talking with Democrats about how to improve health care, but layoffs are still possible if the government shutdown continues.
Most Senate Democrats have refused to help Republicans reopen the government since Oct. 1 because of concerns about Medicaid cuts and the expiration of federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
Trump and congressional Republicans have opposed Democratic demands to overturn Medicaid cuts approved earlier in the year or to extend Obamacare subsidies for a combined estimate of more than $1 trillion over a decade. Trump on Monday refused to detail what options he was discussing with Democrats.
"We're talking to them," Trump said. "Some very good things could happen with respect to health care."
With the Senate set to vote again tomorrow on a House GOP bill that would extend government funding, Trump said another failed vote could lead to layoffs instead of traditional furloughs.
"It could," Trump said. "At some point it will."
With the government out of money after President Donald Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight. See what remains open and what has closed.
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People wait in line to enter the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on October 1, 2025, where services are experiencing significant disruptions due to the federal government shutdown, as essential workers continue working without pay and non-essential federal workers are furloughed. With the government out of money after President Donald Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight. See what remains open and what has closed.
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Members of the National Guard patrol along the grounds of the US Capitol on the first day of the US government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025. Essential services, like military and law enforcement, remain working.
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Members of the National Guard patrol along the grounds of the US Capitol on the first day of the US government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025. Essential services, like military and law enforcement, remain working.
">Members of the National Guard patrol along the grounds of the US Capitol on the first day of the US government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025. Essential services, like military and law enforcement, remain working.
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1 / 15See the impact of the government shutdown as agencies shutter or fight to stay open
People wait in line to enter the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on October 1, 2025, where services are experiencing significant disruptions due to the federal government shutdown, as essential workers continue working without pay and non-essential federal workers are furloughed. With the government out of money after President Donald Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight. See what remains open and what has closed.
Are federal credit unions open during the government shutdown?
When paychecks stop coming, furloughed employees can still lean on their federal credit unions for help during the government shutdown, the National Credit Union Administration said.
Since NCUA is funded by credit unions, not congressional appropriations, all of the institutions remain open during a government shutdown. Branches located inside government buildings, however, may be affected, NCUA warned.
Not only can members continue banking during the congressional impasse, but they may find special targeted programs for federal employees. Many are offering short-term loans, fee and penalty waivers, payment deferrals and more to help workers bridge the gap.
"We have been through government shutdowns before and truly understand the financial challenges our members face," said Brett Noll, president and chief executive at the 90-year-old FedChoice credit union. "That's why we, and many other credit unions, immediately activated support measures from day one of the shutdown."
– Medora Lee
How is the IRS impacted by the government shutdown?
The Internal Revenue Service will not immediately be impacted by the government shutdown. More than 74,000 IRS employees are expected to report to work amid the funding crisis, per the IRS' government shutdown contingency plan.
– Greta Cross
More: How long will the government shutdown last? Lawmakers don't have an answer.
Oct 1, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; National Parks Service workers remove trash from around the Washington Monument on the first day of the federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn ImagesCan I still get a passport with the government shutdown?
Passport services will also remain operational but could be delayed in the case of a prolonged shutdown, and access to in-person passport services in some government buildings could be limited.
– Margie Cullen
What does a government shutdown mean for student loans? What about FAFSA?
During a government shutdown, borrowers are still required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.
The Department of Education will continue to disburse Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans, according to the department's contingency plan. As available, permanent and multi-year appropriations will also be used to continue processing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the plan said.
During a lapse in funding, the department would cease any new grantmaking activities; however, grant programs typically make awards over the summer.
Borrowers with a question or dispute related to their loan may have a tougher time reaching the department. That's because it's furloughing the majority of its staff.
Experts say while most borrowers won't "feel" a short shutdown, more issues could arise the longer it takes those in Washington to make a deal.
− Rachel Barber
Transportation secretary warns of air traffic controller sick calls
In a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Monday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the shutdown was already putting extra strain on air traffic controllers.
Although he said the nation's airspace remains safe, he noted that some air traffic control facilities were experiencing an uptick in sick calls – with some missing as many as 50% of employees on any given day. He said that could result in flight delays and cancelations as the FAA limits capacity through some sectors of the airspace.
Duffy also said a prolonged shutdown could have longer-term impacts on air traffic controller training because some of the support staff at the agency could be laid off. He added that the Essential Air Service, which brings flights to underserved rural communities, will run out funding on Oct. 12 if the shutdown continues.
The DOT does not oversee the TSA, which is under the Department of Homeland Security, but that agency, too, is preparing for issues if the shutdown drags on.
More: Is the federal government still shut down? What to know Monday.
Layoffs haven't begun, but continue to loom: White House
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that threatened layoffs from the shutdown haven't begun but continue to loom.
Leavitt said the Office of Management and Budget is reviewing layoff plans with federal agencies. Asked whether layoffs would follow another failed Senate vote on Monday, Leavitt refused to say when layoffs would begin.
"We don't want to see people laid off," Leavitt said. "Layoffs will be an unfortunate consequence" of the shutdown.
People visit the Smithsonian National Zoo, which will close to the public on October 11 if the shutdown continues, on the fifth day of a partial government shutdown in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 5, 2025.Smithsonian to remain open through Saturday
The Smithsonian Institute's museums and zoo will remain open through Saturday, Oct. 11 if the government shutdown continues.
The Smithsonian announced the extension on its website. If the shutdown continues past Saturday, the facilities will close to the public, the announcement said.
The Smithsonian was previously scheduled to stay open through at least Monday, using money from the previous fiscal year's budget.
– Erin Mansfield
Johnson prays for a handful more Senate Democrats to reopen government
US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, holds a cover of the Washington Examiner as he talks about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, during a press conference about the government shutdown at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 6, 2025.
House Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated his arguments against the shutdown for reporters Monday in imploring Senate Democrats to reopen the government.
Johnson, R-Louisiana, said he assured Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, that the House would continue working on full-year spending bills and subsidies for the Affordable Care Act once the government reopens.
The GOP holds a 53-47 Senate majority, but 60 votes are needed to advance legislation. So far only three Democrats have joined Republicans, and another five are needed to advance House legislation to reopen the government until Nov. 21, to give time for full-year bills to be debated.
"It's shameless. It is sad. Real people are hurting. It needs to end," Johnson said, ahead of another vote at 5:30 p.m. "I sure pray and I hope you all will that a handful of additional common-sense people on the Democrat side will change their votes."
Johnson said no need to 'waste time' debating Jeffries
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that he didn't need the "theatrics" of debating Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries about the shutdown because the House already approved legislation to reopen the government.
Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Jeffries was making a "desperate plea for attention" because polls showed only 13% support for the New York Democrat's position.
"I'm not going to let Hakeem try to pretend for these theatrics," Johnson said. "We don't need to waste time on that nonsense."
TSA is still screening passengers during the shutdown without pay
A plane is seen landing a Regan National Airport from the grounds of the Washington Monument as the US government continues its shutdown on October 6, 2025, in Washington, DC. Trump administration officials and top Republicans warned on October 5 that Americans will increasingly feel the pain of an ongoing government budget shutdown as a second week begins with most federal operations shuttered. With Democrats refusing to give in over their demands for continued government health care subsidies in the budget, the White House says plans are being finalized for the firing of thousands of federal workers.
As the government shutdown stretches into its second week, travelers may begin to worry about how it could affect their airport experience.
For now, impacts remain minimal — TSA and FAA employees are still on the job, working without pay to keep flights running smoothly.
More: TSA and FAA still working as shutdown continues (for now)
Over the weekend, airport lines were typical, and flight cancellations stayed low, according to FlightAware. But if the shutdown continues, experts warn that missed paychecks could lead to staffing shortages and longer wait times at security checkpoints.
TSA has asked passengers for patience as it screens roughly 2.5 million travelers per day nationwide.
Jeffries challenges Speaker Johnson to House floor shutdown debate
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hands Speaker of the House Mike Johnson the gavel during the first session of the 119th Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Jan. 3, 2025.
Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries challenged House Speaker Mike Johnson to a debate over the government shutdown on the House floor.
"Given the urgency of the moment and the Republican refusal to negotiate a bipartisan agreement, a debate on the House Floor will provide the American people with the transparency they deserve," Jeffries, D-New York, wrote Monday to Johnson. "It will also give you an opportunity to explain your my way or the highway approach to shutting the government down, when Democratic votes are needed to resolve the impasse that exists."
The House remains in recess this week after Johnson postponed the next votes until Oct. 13. The move had the effect of leaving in the Senate's hands the legislation that House Republicans already passed to reopen the government until Nov. 21.
White House posts Jeffries sombrero video as shutdown drags on
The White House is starting the week by again trolling Democrats over the shutdown, posting an apparently AI-generated video of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero, which the Democrat has blasted as "racist."
"Starting another week of the DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN," the White House wrote on social media in sharing the video Monday.
The video shows Jeffries with a Mexican sombrero hat, a mustache and mariachi music playing in the background as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stands next to him.
More: 'Joking,' Vance dismisses criticism over AI video of Jeffries in a sombrero
"There's no way to sugarcoat it, nobody likes Democrats anymore," Schumer's fake voice says, adding: "Not even Black people wanna vote for us anymore, even Latinos hate us."
After Jeffries called an earlier version of the video racist, Vice President JD Vance said Trump was just having fun. The White House played the video on a loop in the press briefing room on Oct. 1.
An AI-generated fake video posted on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account depicting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero plays repeatedly in the White House Briefing Room on Oct. 1, 2025.
"I think it's funny, the president's joking," Vance said, adding: "I'll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now. I make this solemn promise to you that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop."
Who do Americans blame for the government shutdown?
More Americans blame Trump and congressional Republicans for the government shutdown than congressional Democrats, according to a CBS News/YouGov survey.
The poll found that 39% of U.S. adults believe Trump and the GOP deserve the most blame, while 30% blame Democrats more and 31% blame both equally.
A majority – 52% - disapprove of how Trump and Republicans are handling the shutdown, while 49% disapprove of Democrats.
Just 23% believe the GOP's position is worth a shutdown, and 28% say Democrats' demands are worth shuttering the government.
The survey of 2,441 adults was taken between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 on the first three days of the shutdown.
Federal workers soon will miss first paycheck
Federal workers will begin missing paychecks this week as the government shutdown continues.
Civilian workers who receive their checks electronically are set to be paid Oct. 10, according to the General Services Administration. The next pay day for military members is Oct. 15, according to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
More: Help! I'm a federal worker and the government just shut down. What now?
Pressure could build to fund the government as workers go without pay.
Oct 1, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; National Parks Service workers remove trash from around the Washington Monument on the first day of the federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn ImagesWhat is President Trump's schedule today?
Trump has no public events on his Monday schedule.
More: Trump supports 'across-the-board pay raises' for all US military members
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is holding at a media briefing at 1 p.m. ET.
What happens to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid?
The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits, but will furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency's shutdown plan.
Payments will likewise continue under the Medicare and Medicaid health programs.
What is the economic impact of a government shutdown?
Oct 1, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; National Guard patrol near the National Gallery of Art on the morning of the first day of the federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025, after President Donald Trump and congressional leaders failed to reach a funding compromise.
The Congressional Research Service estimated that the partial shutdown in 2018-2019 resulted in a $3 billion loss to the real gross domestic product. In addition, consumer spending went down, impacting private sector businesses and profits.
The shutdown will also delayed the release of the September jobs report and potentially the release of other key economic data this month.
"Markets and policymakers have been looking for evidence of whether the labor market was continuing to cool gradually, or whether the slowdown was sharper than expected," said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick said in a statement to USA TODAY. "This fresh gap in knowledge is significant at a time when clarity matters most."
Will a government shutdown impact my flight?
For the most part, no. Air passengers should still be able to continue with their flights during a partial government shutdown.
Those workers who screen at airport security checkpoints, give flight clearance, and verify at border control are deemed essential, so they are still required to work.
However, a group representing major U.S. airlines warned a partial federal government shutdown could strain American aviation and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted.
Airline trade group Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, warned that if funding lapses "the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency" and impacting travelers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Government shutdown updates; Senate vote fails; layoffs loom
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