Story perspectives

Day 17 of Shutdown: 750,000 Furloughed, Uncertainty Looms

10/18/2025

Center

Trump Directs Pentagon

The U.S. government shutdown has reached Day 17 as the Senate plans a vote on October 20.
Over 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed.
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use $6.5 billion in unspent funds to pay active-duty personnel, while future payments remain uncertain and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may not fully disburse November benefits if the shutdown continues, with both parties blaming each other.

Left

Trump Administration Cuts

The U.S. government shutdown has reached its third week, disrupting federal operations and research funding.
The Trump administration has laid off thousands of federal workers, including 1,300 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), due to funding shortages.
Concerns have arisen regarding public health data collection, particularly for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
The Department of Energy announced cuts to $7.6 billion in energy project funding.
Polls show public frustration, with many attributing the deadlock to both political parties, while Democrats advocate for extending health care subsidies.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to 800,000 federal workers being furloughed and an estimated $24 billion economic loss. This event reflects a pattern of political gridlock in U.S. governance, echoing earlier shutdowns like the 1995-1996 crisis, and continues to influence debates on federal funding priorities.

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Trump Directs Pentagon

The U.S. government shutdown has reached Day 17 as the Senate plans a vote on October 20.
Over 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed.
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use $6.5 billion in unspent funds to pay active-duty personnel, while future payments remain uncertain and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may not fully disburse November benefits if the shutdown continues, with both parties blaming each other.

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