U.S. Senate Rejects Temporary Budget Bill: Government Shutdown Continues

US Senate Rejects Budget Proposals

The US Senate has rejected temporary budget proposals put forward by both the Republicans and the Democrats. The federal government's funding shortfall has led to a government shutdown that is now in its third day.

Voting Process and Results

In the initial vote, the temporary budget proposal put forth by the Democrats did not receive the necessary number of votes. Subsequently, the Republicans’ proposal aiming to fund the government until November 21 also met the same fate and did not secure sufficient votes.

This development has increased uncertainty regarding when the government will reopen, as there is still no agreement on the budget within the US Congress. The Senate is expected to hold another vote on the budget dispute on Monday evening.

What Does a Government Shutdown Mean?

The government shut down on October 1. The fiscal year 2025 ended at midnight on September 30, but Congress was unable to approve a temporary budget proposal, making the shutdown inevitable.

With the temporary budget proposal not passing through Congress, this is the first government shutdown since 2019. Democrats are demanding the extension of health insurance subsidies and the reversal of cuts to the Medicaid program, while Republicans insist on a budget proposal that does not change the current spending levels.

Impacts of Government Shutdown

If Congress does not approve the budget for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, it has been determined that temporary budgets will need to bridge the gap. If the temporary budget is also not approved, the federal government will lose its spending authority, and all activities other than essential services will come to a halt.

During this process, public employees working in “non-essential” services will be put on unpaid leave. However, points like the US military, intelligence agencies, public hospitals, airports, and prisons will continue to operate. Employees in these essential personnel categories typically do not receive their pay during shutdown periods until Congress passes a new budget.