2025-10-23
US Government Shutdown Hits Day 22 as Senate Rejects Temporary Funding for 12th Time, Deadlock Deepens
The U.S. federal government shutdown has lasted for 22 days, tying the second-longest record set during the 1995–1996 shutdown. As of October 22, the Senate rejected a temporary funding bill proposed by Republicans for the 12th time, with a 54–46 vote, maintaining the political stalemate. The shutdown stems from the failure to pass the FY2025 appropriations bill before the September 30 deadline, which led to funding depletion and the suspension of non-essential government operations since October 1.
Senate voting results revealed a clear partisan divide—nearly all Republican senators supported the temporary funding resolution, while most Democrats opposed it, primarily due to disagreements over healthcare accessibility and welfare spending. The proposal repeatedly failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required to end debate, with 12 consecutive failed votes highlighting ongoing deadlock over budget priorities. The lack of an approved funding measure has prolonged the suspension of non-essential government operations, forcing some federal employees into unpaid leave and further undermining public service efficiency and market confidence.
The U.S. government shutdown, now lasting over three weeks, underscores deep divisions in fiscal policy management. In the short term (1–2 months), the lack of compromise may prolong the shutdown, dampening market sentiment and consumer spending, which could further weigh on economic growth. The delay in the release of key economic indicators has also limited market participants’ ability to gauge real-time economic conditions, adding uncertainty to investment decisions and monetary policy expectations. Over the medium term (within six months), the key focus lies in whether both parties can reach an agreement through a temporary funding measure or a broader fiscal package to end the impasse, restore normal government operations, and stabilize market expectations. Continued observation of potential cooperation signals from the U.S. President and Democratic leaders will be crucial to restoring market confidence.