Federal Government Shutdown Reaches 22 Days With No End in Sight
October 26, 2025 — The federal government shutdown has entered its 22nd day, marking the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history as political gridlock in Washington shows no signs of breaking.
Negotiations at a Standstill
Congressional votes on continuing resolutions have repeatedly failed, largely along party lines. President Trump has taken a hardline stance, refusing to meet with Democratic leaders until the shutdown ends. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are demanding specific policy concessions as preconditions for any funding agreement, including the repeal of provisions banning taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants and the implementation of Medicaid work requirements.
Billions in Federal Funding Frozen
The Trump administration has paused or canceled $28 billion in federal funding across various programs. Major infrastructure projects in New York City are among those affected, with the administration citing concerns over what it calls “unconstitutional DEI principles” in federal contracts.
Threats of Federal Worker Terminations
Vice President J.D. Vance escalated tensions by announcing that the administration will begin terminating federal workers if Democrats continue to block funding legislation. This threat comes as hundreds of thousands of federal employees have already been working without pay or facing furloughs.
Legislative Deadlock Continues
The House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at reopening the government, but it remains blocked in the Senate. Democratic senators argue the legislation fails to meet their demands on social spending priorities, perpetuating the stalemate.
Impact on Federal Workers and Services
Active-duty military personnel and essential federal workers continue to report for duty without receiving paychecks. Federal agencies have significantly reduced website updates and curtailed public services due to the funding crisis. The shutdown’s ripple effects are being felt across government operations, from national parks to regulatory agencies.
With both sides dug in on their positions, there is no clear timeline for when the shutdown might end.