The US government shutdown will continue into next week after senators rejected a Republican funding proposal for the fourth time on Friday. Federal agencies ran out of money on Wednesday, and lawmakers have no plans to reconvene over the weekend. Approximately 750,000 employees face furloughs as the crisis deepens.
Democrats are blocking the resolution to pressure Republicans over expiring health care subsidies that affect millions of low-income Americans. Republicans control Congress but need Democratic support to pass funding bills. The White House accused Democrats of sabotaging the country, while press secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded the opposition reopen the government immediately.
The shutdown has closed tourist sites such as the Washington Monument, delayed employment data, and halted some official websites. Republican Senate leader John Thune expressed hope that weekend discussions might persuade moderate Democrats to change their votes. President Donald Trump has threatened to convert planned furloughs into permanent job cuts while reducing funding.
The administration drew criticism after government agencies used partisan language in shutdown messaging. The Education Department allegedly modified furloughed staff's email messages to blame Democrats without the employees' knowledge. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of prolonging the shutdown to appease left-wing activists ahead of the 2028 elections.
Democrats are blocking the resolution to pressure Republicans over expiring health care subsidies that affect millions of low-income Americans. Republicans control Congress but need Democratic support to pass funding bills. The White House accused Democrats of sabotaging the country, while press secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded the opposition reopen the government immediately.
The shutdown has closed tourist sites such as the Washington Monument, delayed employment data, and halted some official websites. Republican Senate leader John Thune expressed hope that weekend discussions might persuade moderate Democrats to change their votes. President Donald Trump has threatened to convert planned furloughs into permanent job cuts while reducing funding.
The administration drew criticism after government agencies used partisan language in shutdown messaging. The Education Department allegedly modified furloughed staff's email messages to blame Democrats without the employees' knowledge. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of prolonging the shutdown to appease left-wing activists ahead of the 2028 elections.
