U.S. Shutdown Countdown... Trump, Republicans and Democrats Trade Blame

If No Budget Deal Is Reached by Today,
Federal Government Operations Will Halt Starting October 1

As the threat of a U.S. federal government shutdown (temporary work stoppage) becomes imminent, tensions are escalating between the White House, Republicans, and Democrats. With both parties failing to reach an agreement on a stopgap spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, each side is engaging in a war of words, blaming the other for the potential crisis.

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On the 30th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "Nothing is inevitable, but a (shutdown) is likely." He further warned, "If a shutdown occurs, layoffs will be necessary," and added, "There will be layoffs for many people."

The previous day, he met with party leaders from both sides but ultimately failed to reach a deal. Earlier, the House of Representatives passed a seven-week stopgap spending bill prepared by the Republicans, but it was rejected in the Senate. For the bill to pass the Senate, it requires the support of at least seven Democratic senators. If no bipartisan agreement is reached by the end of the day, the U.S. government will enter a shutdown starting at midnight on October 1, when the fiscal year 2025 budget expires. In this case, numerous federal employees will be placed on unpaid leave, and government work will be suspended.

On the same day, Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House, said in a CNBC interview that he was "skeptical" about the possibility of avoiding a shutdown, pressuring Democrats by stating, "They need to come to their senses and do the right thing."

The Democratic Party insists that an extension of Obamacare subsidies and other measures must be included in the stopgap bill for them to support it. In contrast, the Republican Party opposes these provisions, arguing that they would provide insurance benefits to undocumented immigrants.

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House Minority Leader, stated the previous day, "If the government shuts down, it will be because the Republican Party chose to shut down the government and harm Americans." Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, also said, "Their (the Republicans') bill does not reflect any Democratic input," emphasizing, "Whether there is a shutdown or not depends on the Republicans."

In response, John Thune, the Republican Senate Minority Whip, argued, "Democrats are insisting on extending Obamacare subsidies to appease their anti-Trump base," and countered, "If the government shuts down, it will be their decision."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.