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What’s the true cost of America’s shutdown politics?

The real-world impact of government shutdowns is often lost in the political manoeuvring

    • When Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer calls for negotiations with US President Donald Trump (above), and Republicans accuse Democrats of making unreasonable demands, we see the same tired playbook that has fuelled numerous shutdowns for decades.
    • When Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer calls for negotiations with US President Donald Trump (above), and Republicans accuse Democrats of making unreasonable demands, we see the same tired playbook that has fuelled numerous shutdowns for decades. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Thu, Sep 25, 2025 · 05:00 PM

    AS THE US federal government hurtles towards a potential shutdown on Oct 1, Americans once again find themselves watching a political drama that has become all too familiar.

    With the Senate having rejected competing funding measures and only days remaining before the fiscal year deadline, the current impasse represents more than just another budgetary disagreement – it reflects deeper, structural problems in how the government operates.

    The immediate trigger for this potential shutdown stems from Congress’ failure to pass appropriations Bills for the new fiscal year. The House passed a Republican-backed stopgap funding measure that would keep the government running through Nov 21, but the Senate has rejected both this proposal and Democratic alternatives.

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