Sixteen Days In and No End in Sight for the US Government Shutdown

Sixteen Days In, Washington Faces Growing Costs and Frustration For the tenth time, the U.S. Senate rejected a temporary funding bill that would have ended the ongoing federal government shutdown, in effect since October 1, 2025. The vote ended 51–45, short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster, AP reported. The continued impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees on unpaid leave and many more uncertain about their next paycheck. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voiced concern: “As we see both sides digging in on day 16 of the shutdown, ordinary people are asking whether their government will be there when they need it.” Media outlets note that this standoff could surpass the 16-day shutdown of 2013, which stemmed from disputes over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The White House said military payroll expenses this week totaled $6.5 billion, though it remains unclear whether those funds will cover the next pay period. What’s Blocking a Deal Senate Republican Leader John Thune accused Democrats of blocking efforts to reopen the government by rejecting compromise proposals. “The Democratic Party is a party that doesn’t take ‘yes’ for an answer,” Thune said. He suggested holding a separate vote on extending ACA subsidies, though there’s no guarantee it would pass. Democrats, meanwhile, insist they will not back any spending bill that fails to protect tax credits for health insurance plans. “The ACA crisis looms large over everyone. And yet, Republicans seem willing to allow insurance premiums to skyrocket,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The proposed rate hikes could affect 24 million Americans who receive insurance through ACA marketplaces. Most states plan to begin sending new rate notices on November 1. A Crisis With Growing Economic Risks Experts warn that the shutdown could soon outlast the 2013 episode and is already threatening startups and IPO plans. On October 16, Republicans tried advancing a Defense Department funding bill, but the measure failed in a 50–44 vote, with only three Democrats supporting it. Despite occasional attempts at compromise, party leaders remain deadlocked and have yet to engage in meaningful dialogue. On Capitol Hill, many now believe there’s no quick end in sight. “Many people are asking us how this will all end. We have no idea,” admitted House Speaker Mike Johnson. Prediction platform Polymarket puts the odds of the shutdown lasting beyond October 15 at 71%. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have delayed several key reports, including the monthly inflation data, as the crisis continues to ripple through the economy.