Understanding the US Government Shutdown: Why It Persists (With the Epstein Scandal in the Background)

The federal government shutdown in the United States, which began on October 1, 2025, is now the longest in history, surpassing 40 days. This impasse is paralyzing public services, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay, and threatening the economy. But beyond the usual budget disputes, an explosive allegation is dominating the debate: the shutdown is being prolonged to block a vote on declassifying the Jeffrey Epstein files.

1. The Budget Knot: Obamacare Subsidies

Democrats are demanding the renewal of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without them, 16 million Americans risk losing their insurance or facing skyrocketing premiums.

Republicans, led by President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, categorically refuse, calling it a “bailout for Obamacare.” Trump proposes direct aid to individuals—a plan dismissed as unworkable.

2. “Rescissions”: A Tool for Budget Sabotage

The administration is using rescissions (cancellations of already-approved funds) to slash social programs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer refuses any deal as long as this mechanism remains in play: “A compromise today could be undone tomorrow.”

3. The Explosive Allegation: Blocking the Epstein Files

At the heart of the crisis is a rare parliamentary maneuver: a bipartisan discharge petition, spearheaded by Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA).

The goal: to force a House vote compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all unclassified documents on Jeffrey Epstein.

• 217 signatures already secured (all Democrats plus a few Republicans).

• Only one vote short: that of Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), elected on September 23, 2025, with 69% of the vote.

• But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) refuses to swear her in as long as the shutdown continues.

Massie, on October 6: “We’re in a recession because the day the House reopens, I’ll have the 218 votes to force the vote on the Epstein files.”

Grijalva has promised to sign immediately. Johnson cites House rules—but Democrats are crying foul, alleging a conspiracy.

4. Human and Economic Consequences

• 730,000 federal employees without pay.

• 1.4 million military personnel facing delayed payments.

• Food assistance (SNAP): $4 billion blocked in November.

• WIC and Head Start: closures in 18 states.

• Air travel: 6% fewer flights starting Tuesday, rising to 10% by November 14.

• Economy: risk of a 0.5% hit to GDP.

5. Hope for a Resolution?

Bipartisan negotiations are progressing:

• Temporary funding through late January (defense, security, veterans).

• Separate vote in December on food aid and health subsidies.

• Thune, on Sunday: “A deal is taking shape.”

But progressives refuse to yield without health guarantees, while Republicans accuse Democrats of holding the country hostage.

6. Epstein: A Scandal That Won’t Die

The targeted files include:

• The circumstances of Epstein’s 2019 death (officially ruled a suicide).

• His network of powerful associates (politicians, business leaders, celebrities).

• Documents partially released by the House investigative committee.

Victims, such as Anouska De Georgiou, demand full transparency. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has signed the petition—a rare cross-party alignment.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “The government is shut down because we have the last vote to release the Epstein files… and they don’t want them out.”

7. What Happens Next? A Vote Could Happen Today.

Without a deal:

• The chaos will worsen through Thanksgiving.

• The shutdown will become the most destructive in history.

Pressure from moderates, the approaching holidays, and public outrage could force a compromise.

But as long as Grijalva isn’t sworn in, the Epstein files remain sealed—and the shutdown drags on.

This dual scandal—budgetary and truth-seeking—exposes Washington’s deep fractures.

For Americans, it’s a stark reminder: when politics gridlocks, it’s the citizens who pay the price.