The US Government Shutdown in 2025

The U.S. government has entered another shutdown as a bitter partisan division bores into Congress and the White House, making it impossible to reach a deal. Federal agencies warned that the closure could cost $400 million a day, furlough 750,000 workers, and disrupt flights, research, and even troop pay.

Former President Trump, who has pushed federal workers to toughen up under his plan to reshape government, warned Democrats that refusing a deal would lead to irreversible cuts. His outspoken stance has fueled fears that this shutdown may drag on longer than those of the past.

Many analysts said they had Democrats down as the more unified side, since health care subsidies have rallied their supporters. Yet Republicans argue that Democrats will need to grow out of tying unrelated policies to spending bills if they want to reach an agreement.

Trump’s budget director has refused to vouch for any bipartisan deal, threatening permanent layoffs instead. But for many voters, the human cost of the shutdown continues to shine through the political gamesmanship.

Both parties still pride themselves on defending their values. Democrats highlight health care protections, while Republicans emphasize fiscal restraint. But these positions only seem to draw out the standoff rather than solve it.

Meanwhile, speeches in Congress often come across as more combative than conciliatory. Some lawmakers have tried to bring out themes of unity, yet deep divisions remain.

The crisis has left markets shaken, with gold hitting record highs and investors on edge. As the shutdown continues, the challenge will be whether leaders can stop grandstanding and instead find common ground to reopen the government.

Vocabulary Guide

1. bore into – to deeply penetrate, investigate, or confront something.

   • Example: The lawyer’s questions bore into the witness’s shaky testimony.

   • Question: When was a time someone’s words or actions really bore into you?

2. toughen up – to become stronger, more resilient, or more determined.

   • Example: Athletes must toughen up during intense training sessions.

   • Question: In what situations do people need to toughen up?

3. outspoken – expressing opinions openly and strongly, sometimes bluntly.

   • Example: She’s known as an outspoken critic of the education system.

   • Question: Do you admire people who are outspoken, or do you think it can cause problems?

4. to have someone down as – to assume or label someone as a certain type of person.

   • Example: I always had him down as a quiet student, but he surprised me with his bold speech.

   • Question: Who’s someone you had down as one type of person but turned out to be different?

5. grow out of – to stop doing something as one becomes older or more mature.

   • Example: Kids often grow out of believing in monsters.

   • Question: What’s something you’ve grown out of as you’ve gotten older?

6. vouch for – to confirm the reliability or truth of someone or something.

   • Example: I can vouch for her honesty; she’s never lied to me.

   • Question: Who would you trust to vouch for you in a serious situation?

7. shine through – to become visible or noticeable despite obstacles.

   • Example: Her kindness always manages to shine through, even in tough times.

   • Question: When have you seen someone’s true qualities shine through?

8. pride oneself on – to take satisfaction in an achievement or quality.

   • Example: He prides himself on being punctual and dependable.

   • Question: What’s something you pride yourself on?

9. draw out – to make something last longer or to encourage someone to express themselves.

   • Example: The teacher managed to draw out even the shyest students.

   • Question: What’s a conversation or activity you enjoy being drawn out?

10. come across – to seem or appear in a certain way to others.

    • Example: He doesn’t want to come across as rude, but he’s very direct.

    • Question: How do you think you come across to new people?

11. bring out – to reveal or emphasize a quality.

    • Example: Traveling tends to bring out his adventurous side.

    • Question: What situations bring out the best in you?