The White House officially acknowledged that a federal government shutdown is imminent after the Senate failed to advance a Republican-backed continuing resolution to fund federal operations through November 21. The vote stalled at 55–45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has instructed federal agencies to execute their shutdown plans, signaling widespread disruptions ahead. Thousands of federal employees may be furloughed, some will work without pay, and many government services could be paused.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats for refusing to support the clean funding bill, claiming bipartisan cooperation would avert the shutdown. The Democrats, however, opposed the proposal largely because it excluded extensions to health care subsidies and reversed cuts to Medicaid.
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed concerns, stating the country is “headed to a shutdown.” He blamed Democrats for blocking the legislation. Senate Democrats countered that the GOP measure was too partisan and neglected healthcare protections that many Americans rely on.
If the shutdown begins as expected, nonessential services will be suspended, and many federal workers will face uncertain weeks ahead. Essential operations—like national security, air traffic control, and border enforcement—are likely to continue, but staff may go without pay until funding is restored.
