Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that the United States is “headed to a shutdown” as congressional leaders struggled to bridge differences over federal funding. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for additional time for negotiations, urging colleagues to avoid what could be the second major budget impasse in two years.
Pressure from the White House
Vance’s comments highlighted the growing urgency within the administration, as divisions over spending levels, border security provisions, and military aid packages continue to stall progress. The Vice President, speaking after a series of meetings with lawmakers, warned that entrenched positions were making compromise increasingly elusive.
Johnson calls for patience
In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson sought to strike a more measured tone, stating that more time was needed to reach a sustainable deal. Johnson cautioned against rushing into a short-term fix that could worsen instability, signalling that he may be open to a temporary extension if it enables a broader settlement.
Political stakes
A government shutdown would disrupt federal services, furlough thousands of workers, and undermine public confidence in Washington. Economists note that even a brief closure could trigger ripple effects in markets, particularly at a time of fragile investor sentiment. For the Trump administration, maintaining momentum on fiscal and foreign policy priorities is seen as vital ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Historical backdrop
The US narrowly avoided a shutdown in late 2023, when last-minute compromises kept government operations running. Repeated budget stand-offs, however, have fuelled criticism that Washington is unable to manage long-term fiscal responsibilities, damaging credibility at home and abroad.
What comes next
With deadlines approaching, negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming days. Johnson’s appeal for patience suggests room for manoeuvre, yet the firm warnings from Vance underline the challenge of bridging partisan divides. Analysts caution that without a breakthrough, the probability of a shutdown remains high.
REFH – Newshub, 30 September 2025
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