Ongoing Government Shutdown Enters Eighth Day Amid Political Stalemate
By Eric Mesi – AXJ News Desk
An independent reporter for AXJ NEWS
October 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — The U.S. federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, following the expiration of fiscal year funding, has now stretched into its eighth day with no immediate resolution in sight. President Donald J. Trump, in his second term after winning the 2024 election, has been at the center of the impasse, leveraging his executive authority to demand concessions on key policy issues. The shutdown, triggered by Congress’s failure to pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay, disrupting essential services and raising questions about the political motivations behind such disruptions.
The President’s Role in Government Funding
At the heart of the shutdown is the question of presidential power in keeping the government operational. Under the U.S. Constitution and the Antideficiency Act, federal agencies cannot spend money without congressional appropriations. Congress must pass spending bills, which the president then signs into law. President Trump holds significant influence here: he can veto any funding legislation that does not meet his demands, effectively forcing a shutdown unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers—a rare occurrence. In this case, Trump has publicly stated that he will not sign a “clean” funding bill without additional provisions, such as enhanced border security funding, echoing his tactics during the 2018-2019 shutdown. This executive leverage allows the president to use the threat of shutdown as a bargaining tool, even under unified Republican control of government.
Why the Shutdown Appears to Hinge on Democrats
Despite Republicans holding majorities in both the House (with a slim edge) and Senate in the 119th Congress, which convened in January 2025, the shutdown’s resolution has paradoxically relied on Democratic support. The GOP’s narrow House majority—secured after the 2024 elections—means that even a handful of dissenting Republican lawmakers can block party-line votes, necessitating bipartisan cooperation to pass funding measures. House Democrats have attempted to negotiate a continuing resolution to extend funding at prior levels, but these efforts have been rebuffed by hardline Republicans aligned with Trump. Senate votes to end the shutdown have repeatedly failed, with Republicans prioritizing the president’s demands over a swift reopening. This dynamic has made Democrats essential to any compromise, as their votes could provide the margin needed to override internal GOP divisions or a potential veto.
Agencies and Services Impacted
The shutdown has affected a wide array of federal agencies, with non-essential operations halted and essential workers required to continue duties without immediate compensation. Here’s a breakdown of key impacts:
• Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Air traffic control towers remain operational, but controllers—deemed essential—are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays at major airports nationwide. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers are affected, with reports of increased sick calls exacerbating delays. The Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes flights to rural areas, has also been disrupted.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Airport security screeners, also essential.
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