Government Shutdown Enters 18th Day, Becoming Third-Longest in U.S. History
WASHINGTON – The ongoing partial government shutdown entered its 18th day on October 17, 2025, surpassing the 1995-96 shutdown and becoming the third-longest in U.S. history. With no immediate resolution in sight, hundreds of thousands of federal employees continue to be impacted, and efforts are underway to ensure those required to work during the impasse receive compensation.
The shutdown, stemming from ongoing disagreements in Congress over federal spending, is disrupting various government services and creating uncertainty for federal workers and the public. While the full scope of the economic impact is still unfolding, the prolonged closure is raising concerns about delayed payments, halted projects, and potential long-term consequences for the nation’s economy. The situation is particularly acute for “excepted” employees - those deemed essential and required to continue working without pay until the government reopens.
Senator John Thune (R-SD) announced Thursday evening his intention to bring a bill to a vote next week that would authorize payment for these “excepted” federal employees, including active-duty military personnel.The bill, sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), has been dubbed the “pay everybody” bill by Thune. typically, essential workers continue their duties during a shutdown but receive back pay only after a resolution is reached.
In a related development, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced via X (formerly Twitter) that law enforcement officers within DHS – including those at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Transportation Security Governance (TSA), Customs and Border Protection, and the Secret Service – will be paid for their work during the shutdown. Noem stated these officers will receive a “super check” by October 22, covering four days of lost pay, overtime, and their next scheduled pay period.
The DHS declaration clarifies that “sworn law enforcement officers” will be compensated, though the extent of TSA coverage remains unclear, given the agency’s large workforce encompassing both security officers at airport checkpoints and dedicated law enforcement personnel like air marshals. DHS and TSA have been contacted by CBS News for further clarification. Members of the military and FBI have also been assured they will receive pay during the shutdown, though the legal basis for continuing these payments remains a point of contention.
