On October 1st of 2025, the government shut down. The last time this happened was from December 22nd, 2018, to January 25th, 2019, lasting 35 days. The root cause of this was funding disagreements between President Donald Trump and Congress over the United States-Mexico border wall. According to the Congressional Budget Office, “the last shutdown delayed $18 billion in federal spending and reduced real GDP by $8 billion in the first quarter of 2019.” As for the current government shutdown, it is currently over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. AP News noted how, “Democrats want to extend those subsidies, while many Republicans oppose doing so as part of the funding package.” Additionally, Republicans in the House passed a “clean” continuing resolution through November 21. However, Democrats rejected it because it did not include subsidy extensions. AP News added how, “The shutdown has paralyzed federal operations, closed major cultural institutions, disrupted air travel, and worsened economic instability.” Vice President JD Vance added that, “As the federal government shutdown entered its 12th day, over 4,000 federal employees are set to lose their jobs. Institutions like the Smithsonian and the National Zoo began closing due to funding shortages.” Additionally, the Washington Post added how, “shutdown layoffs target services for vulnerable students, the homeless, and seniors. The layoffs target departments such as the Department of Education, HUD, the EPA, and the Treasury, cutting staff responsible for civil rights enforcement, housing inspections, environmental regulation, and programs benefiting rural communities.” A White House memo projected that each week of the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy about $15 billion in GDP. Sebastian Alam, a 12th-grade student at CdM, discussed how, “It’s unfortunate that things have reached a point where so many people’s work and services are on hold. I just hope political leaders can all find common ground soon so everything can get moving again.” As of October 14, 2025, the U.S. government shutdown has entered its 14th day, with no resolution in sight. House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to bring lawmakers back for negotiations unless Democrats first agree to reopen the government. The nation now waits for a resolution.