Article I requires Congress to pass appropriations bills—why has the government been shut down since October 1, 2025, and why did Congress pass three CRs for FY 2025?

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The Antideficiency Act forbids agencies from spending without an appropriation, triggering shutdowns when Congress misses the October 1 fiscal year deadline. The House Freedom Caucus (45 members) refused to vote for FY 2025 bills unless McCarthy cut non-defense spending by 30% and added anti-abortion riders. McCarthy passed three continuing resolutions (short-term funding patches) but the fourth failed on September 30, 2025, shutting down national parks, delaying TSA pay, and freezing nutrition assistance. Speaker Johnson finally passed a CR on October 18 by cutting a deal with Democrats, enraging the Freedom Caucus.

Article I requires Congress to pass appropriations bills—why has the government been shut down since October 1, 2025, and why did Congress pass three CRs for FY 2025?

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