As of October 16th, the United States is currently in the midst of a government shutdown as lawmakers in Congress remain divided over federal expenditure and health care funding. According to BBC News, “Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are currently locked in a standoff, each putting forward resolutions for reopening the government that have failed in multiple rounds of voting.” This halt has caused federal employees to go without pay and left essential programs struggling to operate. The shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a spending bill. At the center of the dispute are disagreements over health care subsidies and overall federal spending. Sophomore Jacob Demott said the root of the cause was, “The lack of cooperation between the two political parties.” The Washington Post reported that many employees “have been furloughed or required to continue working without pay.” These effects have also spread into areas like national parks, airport security, and scientific research. When asked about if the shutdown is an effective way for Congress to negotiate, a government teacher, Mr. Jones said, “Absolutely not, it hurts people in the process, and I don’t think the congress should be getting paid when the shutdown is happening.” He also added that events like these make people lose faith in the government. As the shutdown continues, pressure is mounting on both parties to find a common ground. Whether it ends soon or in weeks, the shutdown highlights a growing need for unity in Washington and reminds Americans that progress only happens when leaders choose cooperation over conflict.