With less than a week before the government faces a potential shutdown, there is no consensus between the two main parties on how to proceed. President Trump has criticized Democrats for their “unserious and ridiculous demands.”
The deadline for government funding is approaching on Sept. 30. Republicans have shown strong support for a clean continuing resolution (CR), a temporary funding bill. President Trump has also endorsed a clean CR.
According to the Epoch Times, Republicans cannot keep the government running alone. Senate rules require bipartisan support to avoid a shutdown, and Democrats have set conditions for their approval.
With both sides holding firm, the path to an agreement to prevent a shutdown remains uncertain.
Here’s the latest on the situation:
Government Shutdown
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to fund federal sectors.
Congress must pass 12 spending bills for various areas like defense, agriculture, and education every year.
So far, none of these funding bills have reached Trump’s desk.
Government funding expires on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Currently, the government operates on a CR passed by Republicans in March, delaying the funding deadline to Sept. 30.
The minority party often seizes government funding deadlines to gain policy concessions.
Republicans Support Clean CR
Trump and other Republican leaders advocate for a clean CR, a temporary bill maintaining previous funding levels without significant changes.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the CR as a way to fund the government until appropriations are finalized.
Last week, House Republicans passed a bill extending funding by seven weeks. However, the Senate rejected this proposal.
President Trump condemned Democrats for their demands in a recent statement, criticizing their costly requests and lack of seriousness.
Democrats Seek Funding Changes
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demands modifications to health care sections in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut Medicaid spending by nearly a trillion dollars.
Happy New Year, Mr. President.
When you’re finished ranting, we can sit down and discuss health care. pic.twitter.com/MYcuS9BOjt
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 23, 2025
Republicans defend the Medicaid cuts as targeting waste, fraud, and abuse.
Democrats propose reversing Medicaid cuts and extending subsidies for low- and middle-income Americans under the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized these demands as unprecedented for a CR.
Amidst the standoff, most of Congress is currently away, with the Senate and House not returning until late September and October, respectively.
Republicans may face a tough choice between a shutdown or an early return to address the funding issue.
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