Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Enters Week Three, 1.4M Affected

10/14/2025

Center

Federal Employees Furloughed

The federal government shutdown is in its third week, furloughing or delaying pay for over 1.4 million federal employees.
The shutdown began on October 1 over disputes about healthcare funding, notably the Affordable Care Act.
Mass layoffs initiated by the Trump administration have hit the Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with essential services continuing and many programs facing disruptions.

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Smithsonian Shutdown Impact

The ongoing federal government shutdown has closed Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo, limiting public access.
The Smithsonian Institution relies on federal funding for about 62% of its budget and expects visitor losses like those in 2019.
About 750,000 federal workers remain furloughed, with anxiety over potential layoffs and uncertain back pay.
Union leaders call the situation a political hostage crisis and seek clarity on back pay obligations.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 federal government shutdown, lasting 16 days from October 1 to October 17, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, affecting 800,000 federal employees and costing the economy an estimated $55 billion. Today’s shutdown echoes this event, with over 1.4 million federal employees facing furloughs due to similar disputes, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S. budget negotiations.

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Federal Employees Furloughed

The federal government shutdown is in its third week, furloughing or delaying pay for over 1.4 million federal employees.
The shutdown began on October 1 over disputes about healthcare funding, notably the Affordable Care Act.
Mass layoffs initiated by the Trump administration have hit the Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with essential services continuing and many programs facing disruptions.

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