United States Government in Middle of Shutdown

WASHINGTON — Since Wednesday, the U.S. government has been shut down for the first time in six years.

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the necessary bills to fund federal agencies.

In this case, Republicans and Democrats were unable to reach an agreement on a bill to fund government services into October.

While Republicans control both chambers of Congress, they are short of the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass the spending bill.

The disagreement stemmed from Democrats seeking an extension of expiring tax credits and a reversal of former President Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid.

An attempt to prevent the shutdown through a stopgap funding measure passed the House but failed in the Senate.

During a government shutdown, essential services continue to operate, though some employees may go unpaid during the closure. Nonessential government workers are temporarily placed on unpaid leave.

Most veterans benefits and military operations will continue to be funded, but pay for military and civilian workers will be delayed until a funding deal is reached.

Air traffic control operations will continue without pay until funding is restored. The U.S. Postal Service will also continue to operate, as it is independently funded through sales and services.

In response to the shutdown, Trump has described it as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce. He said he plans to meet with budget director Russ Vought to discuss “temporary or permanent” spending cuts.

Trump also said on social media that he would work with Vought to determine which Democratic-run agencies could face cuts.

“I can’t believe the radical left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity,” Trump wrote on social media regarding potential agency reductions.

Nikolai Wagner is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To email him, contact njw5648@psu.edu.