On Oct. 1st, the federal government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. Without a funding bill, the BBC says that federal agencies’ services are suspended for the time being. Federal employees are either furloughed or forced to work without pay until a bill is passed. However, according to the BBC, agencies or government functions are deemed essential, including border protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and air traffic controllers.

Republicans, despite controlling both chambers of Congress, are unable to gather the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass the bill. Democrats insist on extending expiring tax credits. These credits impact the prices of healthcare for millions of Americans. They also want to undo the Trump administration’s cuts to Medicaid. Several more votes on modified bills have taken place, but the shutdown continues, as stated by the BBC.

Currently, there is no end in sight, as the Trump administration, according to the BBC, has been unwilling to compromise, as it believes the Democrats will bear the brunt of the public’s blame because it argues the party’s demands caused the shutdown. Democratic leadership has indicated that they are also unwilling to make concessions. 

A short-term shutdown is unlikely to have any negative effects on most college students. As federal aid, like loans and grants, has already been dispersed.  International students may be impacted, according to the American Council on Education, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is only focusing on law enforcement and may not process necessary forms in time. 

The shutdown represents a growing divide between the parties, with both unwilling to concede on key points to get the government funded. Essential services remain in operation, but millions of Americans are either on temporary leave or working without pay. Until Congress can compromise, the shutdown will continue, and its impact will continue to grow.