Furloughs, layoffs, and deadlock: Inside the federal shutdown

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Oct 13, 2025, 11:03:19 AM IST

The government shutdown has entered its twelfth day, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed without pay. As the stalemate continues in Congress, deeper workforce cuts are expected, adding to the uncertainty faced by federal employees and their families. (Source: AP)

Agencies

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Statement from Vice President JD Vance

Vice President JD Vance warned that the upcoming workforce cuts will be painful, even as the administration works to ensure the military is paid and some essential services, such as food assistance for low-income Americans, are maintained. He stressed that the longer the shutdown persists, the more severe the cuts will become.

Reuters

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Impact on Federal Employees

Over 4,000 federal employees are expected to be laid off, affecting departments including Education, Treasury, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Labour unions have already filed lawsuits to block these aggressive moves, which go beyond the usual measures taken during a government shutdown.

TIL Creatives

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Impact on Public Services

The effects of the shutdown have begun to impact public services. The Smithsonian announced the temporary closure of its museums, research centres, and National Zoo due to lack of funding. Many other services may face disruptions if the shutdown continues.

Reuters

The shutdown began on 1 October after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill, demanding that it include an extension of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans insist the government must reopen before any negotiations on the subsidies can take place, creating a political deadlock.

NYT News Service

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Congressional Reactions

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the Republicans for taking a “my-way-or-the-highway” approach despite controlling the House, Senate, and presidency. House Speaker Mike Johnson, on the other hand, blamed the Democrats for ignoring the pain the shutdown is causing and accused them of prioritising partisan politics over Americans’ well-being.

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Public & Progressive Reaction

Progressive groups have voiced support for the Democratic position in the shutdown fight. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, highlighted fractures within the GOP and warned that Americans may face rising health insurance premiums. The public perception is increasingly placing responsibility for the shutdown on the Republican leadership.

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Administration’s Position

The Trump administration and congressional allies continue to show no willingness to back down from their strategy. Vance justified the planned layoffs by stating that the administration must balance providing food benefits for low-income Americans and paying federal workers and the military.

Agencies

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Democratic Opposition

Democrats strongly oppose the layoffs, calling them illegal and unnecessary. Senator Mark Kelly said that there is no reason to punish federal employees who have already been caught in an unfair situation due to the political stalemate.

Agencies

The prolonged shutdown is increasing uncertainty for the federal workforce and creating disruptions in public services. While some essential functions are maintained, closures and layoffs are expanding. Political negotiations remain at a standstill, and the economic and social impact of the shutdown continues to grow as time passes. (Disclaimer: This slideshow has been sourced from AP)

Reuters

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