The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, continues as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over federal funding. On October 9, 2025, the Senate failed for the seventh time to advance legislation to end the shutdown. The House-passed Republican continuing resolution (CR) was rejected by a vote of 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes required to proceed, with Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME) voting alongside Republicans in favor of the bill. The House-passed Republican CR would extend current government funding levels through November 21 and includes short-term extensions of expiring health programs and authorities, such as funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, teaching health centers, the Special Diabetes Programs, and key Medicare policies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reiterated that Democrats will not support a CR unless Republican leadership agrees to negotiate an extension of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025. The House is currently in recess and not expected to return this week unless the Senate passes a bill to re-open the government.

Ahead of the government shutdown, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance encouraging agencies to consider reduction in force (RIF) notices for employees in programs that lack discretionary funding or are not aligned with current administration priorities. This marks a departure from previous shutdown protocols, which typically involved temporary furloughs with reinstatement upon the resumption of funding. A Department of Justice (DOJ) court filing on October 10, 2025, estimated that between 1,100 to 1,200 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees have received RIF notices so far. However, recent reports indicate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has since rescinded a majority of its RIF notices.

Impact on General Dentistry: A prolonged government shutdown would significantly disrupt agencies and programs dependent on funding through annual appropriations. Medicare and Medicaid payments will not be impacted at this time. AGD continues to monitor the federal appropriations process and advocates for sustained support of oral health programs that strengthen the dental workforce and access to oral health care.