Good morning. It’s the second day of a shutdown of the federal government. President Trump appears to see the closure as an opportunity — to push through mass layoffs and cancel funding for Democratic states. The Senate rejected plans to reopen, and both parties are digging in for a long fight. We spent yesterday asking our colleagues questions you may have about what’s happening and what might happen, as the shutdown continues. Those answers follow. But first, the latest news:
The shutdown, explained
For weeks, our D.C. reporters chronicled a slow-motion political drama: Would Democrats and Republicans find a way to compromise before the government ran out of money? Now that we know the answer, they’re covering how the shutdown actually works. What happens when federal employees go home, and how might the shutdown end? For today’s newsletter, I got answers from Carl Hulse, our chief Washington correspondent, and Eileen Sullivan, who covers the federal work force. What’s at stake for both parties? Carl: Quite a bit. Republicans want to show that they are able to wield their majority power and keep the government funded without giving in to what they see as unreasonable Democratic demands. Democrats are trying to win health care concessions and also demonstrate that Republicans must treat them as legislative partners and not jam bills down their throats. The outcome of the clash is likely to influence next year’s midterm elections. What are Democrats trying to get before they’ll support the stopgap spending bill? Carl: They want an extension of subsidies created during the pandemic for purchasing health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Otherwise, they say, premium costs will rise for millions of people. Republicans say they are open to extending the subsidies, but only if the government reopens. At least eight Democrats would need to join Republicans to pass a spending bill. So far, three have. Some federal employees are “excepted” from the shutdown and have to work. Who qualifies? Eileen: Each department identifies people critical to protecting life and property, and they keep working during a government shutdown. Think federal law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers and T.S.A. officers at airports. Not all agencies rely on appropriations for funding. That is why some government services continue uninterrupted. Mail is still delivered, and Social Security and Medicare payments continue. Do the workers get paid? Eileen: Many of the people who keep the government running will be working without pay until the government reopens. Afterward, the law says, they must receive back wages. Workers are being “furloughed.” What does that mean? Eileen: These are the ones who don’t work during the shutdown because they’re not essential to protecting life and property. Some agencies, including the National Park Service, warned that they could be called back to work at any point. How do shutdowns typically end? Carl: When public and political pressure to reopen federal agencies mounts, and lawmakers fear getting the blame for the cutoff of government services, one side eventually gives in and backs a spending bill — even if they don’t get what they were seeking. In this case, that would mean Democrats backing the bill without any health insurance breakthrough or Republicans compromising despite their pledge not to cut a deal. The latest on the shutdown
In one chart
Federal agencies publish plans explaining how their services and work forces will change in a shutdown. This time, though, those normally wonky documents included a revelation. Agencies reported how many they people they employ — which, in turn, showed how much DOGE had slashed their work forces. Related: The most-clicked story in The Morning yesterday included more charts that show how the shutdown is affecting workers.
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