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Government Shutdown Furloughs 750,000, Costs $15 Billion Weekly

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown began October 1, 2025, furloughing about 750,000 federal employees.
The White House estimates weekly losses of about $15 billion, affecting consumers and small businesses tied to federal contracts.
Passport processing and research are disrupted, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health furloughing staff amid budget disputes over healthcare subsidies and foreign aid cuts.

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Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown began October 1, 2025, furloughing about 750,000 federal employees.
The White House estimates weekly losses of about $15 billion, affecting consumers and small businesses tied to federal contracts.
Passport processing and research are disrupted, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health furloughing staff amid budget disputes over healthcare subsidies and foreign aid cuts.