The U.S. federal government is poised to shut down at midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, if Congress does not reach an agreement on a necessary funding bill. The shutdown would begin at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, marking the first government shutdown in nearly seven years if no deal is made to continue funding government operations beyond the fiscal year start date of October 1.
The shutdown stems from a political impasse between the Republican majority and the Democrats, mainly over healthcare funding issues, including tax credits for health insurance and Medicaid cuts. Republicans control both chambers but lack the 60 votes needed to pass the spending bill in the Senate. Democrats are opposing the current bill proposal, arguing it worsens healthcare access issues, which is a key factor in the funding stalemate.
If the shutdown occurs, many non-essential federal services will cease, and federal workers may be furloughed without pay until funding is restored, though essential employees like military personnel and air traffic controllers will continue working. This shutdown would disrupt many government operations and could delay important economic data releases.
In summary, the government shutdown is expected to start from midnight at the start of October 1, 2025, unless Congress passes a funding bill promptly to keep the government running.
