Shutdown Day 2: Government Remains Deadlocked

by

The American flag over the Capitol is illuminated by the early morning light on the first day of a government shutdown, in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Reading Time: 2 minutes

(AURN News) — Day two of the government shutdown, and the lights are still off in Washington. Congress remains deadlocked. Republicans are pushing a short-term bill stripped of extended Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats are refusing to budge.

National Park Service law enforcement ranger Greg Freeman opens a locked gate closing vehicle access to the Shark Valley section of Florida’s Everglades National Park, as he drives into the park, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The Senate is not in session today for Yom Kippur, meaning the government will not reopen until at least Friday. But Republican leaders are signaling there will be no weekend votes, meaning the shutdown could drag on for days or even weeks.

The White House admits thousands of federal workers could face permanent layoffs. Essential services, from air traffic control to military operations, will remain open. But the ripple effect is hitting everything from small businesses to federal loan and nutrition programs.

A closed sign stands in front of the National Archives on the first day of a government shutdown, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Republicans say Democrats will bear the political costs. Democrats argue President Donald Trump engineered the crisis to force cuts, leaving Americans to suffer.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

AURN Podcast Network


advanced divider
advanced divider

AURN News with Ebony McMorris