Shutdown Explained

At midnight, the federal government runs out of funding. Here's how we got here.

Our government will run out of funding at midnight tonight unless Republicans decide to work with Democrats to reach a deal. A shutdown would have wide-reaching repercussions, including freezing pay for servicemembers, federal employees, TSA officers, and air traffic controllers. Whether or not your salary is directly at risk, a shutdown could also affect you and your family— slowing down passport and Social Security services, closing national parks, zoos, and museums, and threatening critical nutritional programs for children, seniors, and other vulnerable communities.

The math is simple: Republicans need 60 votes in the Senate to pass a funding package; they hold 53 seats. That means they need at least seven Democrats on board. Historically, funding the government has been a bipartisan effort based on extended negotiation. Democrats have tried for weeks to urge Republicans to come to the table on a bill that would garner support across both Chambers, but have been rebuffed at every corner.

During a recent interview on Fox News, President Trump said, “We have to get Republican votes, that’s all,” and that Republicans shouldn’t “even bother” with Democrats. Last week, the President cancelled a meeting with House and Senate Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, which would have been the first time he sat down with either of them to discuss this issue. According to Politico, a White House official reported that, “[Trump] read all the shit they’re asking for, and he said, ‘on second thought, go f*** yourself.’” Last night, after finally sitting down for a meeting, the President posted a racist, AI-generated video of our Democratic leaders.

That’s not the behavior of someone seriously interested in running the government. What’s more, Speaker Johnson cancelled all votes for the week, and House Republicans are nowhere to be found in Washington. Anyone who has ever bought a car, signed a lease or negotiated a salary understands that you need two parties to make a deal. This week, I’m in DC alongside all House Democrats, ready to have the necessary conversations and take the necessary actions to keep the government open. I hope my Republican colleagues decide to join us. I’ll keep you updated as we learn more.