Washington (October 1, 2025) – Washington is at a standstill as the federal government has officially shut down after lawmakers failed to agree on a new spending plan. Unlike other shutdowns like the one that occurred back in 2019, this may result in long-term effects for both federal workers and the economy.
For additional context and analysis, please consider Todd Belt, professor at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. His research and writing focuses on the mass media, public opinion, the presidency, campaigns and elections.
“A major difference with this shutdown is that Democrats are forcing the shutdown, whereas usually it is Republicans doing so,” Belt said. “Democrats tend to want to protect government and government employment from attack which is why Republicans are the ones who usually use a shutdown as a tool for leverage.”
To speak with Professor Belt, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu (skylers[at]gwu[dot]edu).
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