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U.S. Shutdown Furloughs 750,000 Workers, Delays Tax Processing

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown, ongoing since October 1, 2025, furloughed over 750,000 workers.
Contract workers face financial strain as backpay is usually unavailable; Democrats seek backpay for contractors.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) furloughed nearly half its staff, delaying tax processing before October 15; Democrats push funding with health-insurance tax credits, Republicans reject; parks and museums remain closed.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown from October 1 to 17, 2013, resulted from a budget impasse between President Obama and Congress over the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 800,000 federal workers were furloughed, and the shutdown cost the economy an estimated $24 billion. This event underscored ongoing partisan conflicts over budgetary issues, a trend that continues to impact government operations today.

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Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown, ongoing since October 1, 2025, furloughed over 750,000 workers.
Contract workers face financial strain as backpay is usually unavailable; Democrats seek backpay for contractors.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) furloughed nearly half its staff, delaying tax processing before October 15; Democrats push funding with health-insurance tax credits, Republicans reject; parks and museums remain closed.

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