Beginning on October 1st, 2025, the federal Government has been indefinitely shut down for failing to decide on where federal funding should be allocated for the fiscal year, the 12 month period running from October 1st to September 30th. This isn’t exactly uncommon, with 10 occurring since 1976 alone, but the current one is starting to look out of the ordinary due to its political implications.
Government teacher Mr. Mike Schreiber explains this, saying that although there haven’t been major impacts felt by the majority of Americans yet–momentum will build as more federal facilities begin to fail without money to keep them working.“Americans have to get really frustrated and angry and pressure their representatives to make an agreement. But we’re not there yet. By a long shot.”
The first ripple effect “regular” Americans are starting to see as a result of the shutdown is in the case of air-travel being limited. This is because airports are government facilities, making nearly everyone who works at one a federal employee. Without a federal budget, these employees can’t be paid, making them less inclined to work, meaning that if federal funding is not decided, there will be little to no TSA agents checking the security of airports;.
But, how exactly did this all begin? Mr. Adam Buseck claims that “It’s partially due to the fact that the Democratic party feels as though they are backed into a corner because of the fact that we are currently living under a unified government, with Republicans being in charge of both the legislative and executive branches.”
Both parties are unwilling to compromise, with Democrats standing strongly against the Republican party’s agenda to cut funding towards Medicaid, which makes healthcare affordable to millions of low-income Americans. “Republicans are claiming that the availability of affordable healthcare would provide medical assistance to illegal immigrants,” Buseck explains.
Even though all of this might not seem relevant to high school students, it’s important to remember that even if you are under 18, your voice can still be heard. No matter where your political loyalties lie, you can call your representatives and put pressure on them to end this issue.