Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Hits 22 Days Amid Funding Controversies

10/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown reached 22 days, the second-longest on record.
U.S. President Donald Trump authorized using leftover Pentagon funds to pay military personnel.
Republican lawmakers criticized the move as bypassing Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged the House to act on funding, noting the bill extends to November 21.
House Speaker Johnson accused Democrats of using Epstein investigation to distract from shutdown, with the committee's work yielding results.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government faced two significant shutdowns in 1995-1996, triggered by budget disputes between President Bill Clinton and a Republican Congress led by Newt Gingrich. The first shutdown began on November 14, 1995, furloughing about 800,000 federal employees. The current 22-day shutdown reflects ongoing partisan tensions, raising concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. governance and budgetary processes.

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Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown reached 22 days, the second-longest on record.
U.S. President Donald Trump authorized using leftover Pentagon funds to pay military personnel.
Republican lawmakers criticized the move as bypassing Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged the House to act on funding, noting the bill extends to November 21.
House Speaker Johnson accused Democrats of using Epstein investigation to distract from shutdown, with the committee's work yielding results.

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