Washington, October 1(HS): The United States is on the brink of its first government shutdown since 2018–19 after the Senate failed to approve last-minute funding measures late Tuesday. Both Democrat- and Republican-backed proposals to extend funding collapsed in the chamber, falling short of the 60 votes required to avert a shutdown.

With the federal budget deadline expiring at midnight ET, large parts of the US government are poised to suspend operations. Essential workers will continue duties, in many cases without pay, while non-essential employees face unpaid furloughs. This will also halt the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ closely watched monthly jobs report, heightening uncertainty in an already fragile economy.

President Donald Trump, laying blame squarely on Democrats, has threatened “irreversible” mass terminations of federal staff if the closure proceeds. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of “hostage politics,” while Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer countered that Republicans were “telling lies” about healthcare priorities at the heart of the standoff.

Markets appeared largely unshaken, with major US indices ending higher on Tuesday. However, concerns remain about disruptions to air travel, national parks, and critical public services. The White House has already activated a countdown clock to the shutdown on its official website, underscoring the mounting political theatre.

As lawmakers exited Capitol Hill after failed late-night votes, analysts warned that Americans would awaken Wednesday to a government without funding, with no compromise in sight.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar