Federal Government Shutdown Enters 15th Day Amid Stalemate Over Funding Bill

Government Shutdown Enters 15th Day with No End in Sight The federal government shutdown has reached its 15th day, with no resolution in sight as Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over a short-term funding bill. The Senate's ninth attempt to advance such a bill failed on Wednesday, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay. According to the Trump administration, more than 8,000 employees have been furloughed or laid off since the shutdown began on October 1. A hearing in federal court on Thursday considered the legality of these layoffs, with a judge issuing a temporary restraining order directing the administration to pause RIF notices for members of two unions, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences across the country. National parks are closed, museums are shuttered, and critical services such as food assistance programs are operating at reduced capacity. "This is not just a government shutdown; it's a people shutdown," said AFGE President Everett Kelley in a statement. "Thousands of federal workers are struggling to make ends meet without pay, while others are being forced into early retirement or laid off." The Trump administration has maintained that the shutdown is necessary to secure funding for a border wall, a key campaign promise. However, Democrats have refused to budge on this issue, citing concerns over the impact on vulnerable communities. "We will not support any bill that does not address the humanitarian crisis at our borders," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement. "The American people deserve better than a partisan shutdown." As the standoff continues, federal agencies are scrambling to mitigate the effects of the shutdown. The Social Security Administration has announced that it will continue to process benefits payments despite the shutdown. In the meantime, lawmakers on both sides remain optimistic that a deal can be reached. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that she is "confident" that a resolution can be found, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed hope that a compromise could be reached soon. The next development in this saga will come on Friday, when the Senate is set to reconvene and attempt to advance another short-term funding bill. Until then, thousands of federal workers remain in limbo, waiting for a resolution to the shutdown. Background: The government shutdown began on October 1 after Congress failed to pass a short-term funding bill. Since then, both parties have proposed various solutions, but none have gained traction. The Trump administration has continued to push for border wall funding, while Democrats have insisted that any deal must address the humanitarian crisis at the border. Additional perspectives: "The shutdown is a symptom of a larger problem: a broken Congress that can't get anything done," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in an interview. "This shutdown is not just about politics; it's about people who are struggling to make ends meet without pay," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Twitter. Current status: The government shutdown remains ongoing, with no end in sight. Lawmakers will reconvene on Friday to attempt to advance another short-term funding bill. *Reporting by Npr.*