US Government Shutdown Update: Latest Details for Wednesday October 15

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown reached its 15th day on Wednesday, Oct. 15, due to a Senate budget stalemate. The gridlock shows no signs of resolution as key factions stand firm on their demands.

Current State of the Shutdown

The federal shutdown has resulted in the furlough of over 750,000 federal employees since Oct. 1. Essential workers like military personnel, law enforcement officers, and air traffic controllers continue working unpaid. The shutdown, if prolonged, could rank as one of the longest in U.S. history.

Military and Defense Impact

• President Donald Trump guaranteed the payment of active-duty troops on Oct. 15, despite ongoing budget issues.
• Approximately 55% of the Defense Department’s civilian workers are furloughed. Crucial roles in cybersecurity, medical care, and logistics remain operational.
• National Guard units deployed domestically continue their duties.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

• Social Security payments continue, although 12% of the workforce has been furloughed.
• Medicare and Medicaid programs also remain operational, maintaining health benefit distributions.

Sustaining Public Services

The U.S. Postal Service operates independently of Congressional budgeting and thus remains unaffected by the shutdown. Airport operations continue with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers working without pay.

Political Landscape

Democrats push for permanent tax breaks under the Affordable Care Act, also known as ‘Obamacare.’ Republicans are open to ACA adjustments but demand separate budget negotiations.

Food Aid Programs

• SNAP and WIC continue as long as funds are available. A temporary solution was found using $300 million from tariff revenue and reallocated funds.

Homeland Security and Border Control

Only 5% of Department of Homeland Security employees are furloughed. Critical functions like Secret Service, immigration, and border operations persist uninterrupted.

The shutdown, the 15th to occur since 1981, may surpass the 12-day Carter-era closure, approaching records from Trump’s previous term.