Government shutdown continues, congress remains deadlocked

The federal government remains in a partial shutdown more than two weeks after funding expired at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2025, with no breakthrough yet in congressional negotiations to reopen agencies.

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Roughly 750,000 federal employees continue to face furloughs or work without pay as lawmakers remain divided over spending levels and health care subsidies. The impasse has halted or slowed operations across multiple agencies, delaying economic data releases and routine federal services.

In southern Utah, Zion National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Dixie National Forest remain partially closed, with most visitor services suspended. Law enforcement, emergency response and essential maintenance continue with minimal staffing.

To help reduce the impact on tourism, the state of Utah has provided temporary funding to keep basic services operating at several national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon. State officials say the emergency support will continue “as long as feasible” to protect the fall visitor season.

Federal offices such as the Kanab Bureau of Land Management Field Office and U.S. Forest Service district offices are operating with limited staff. Local tourism businesses that rely on park traffic report cancellations and slower visitor turnout as the shutdown stretches on.

Senate leaders say negotiations are ongoing but offered no timeline for a deal. The White House maintains that talks must include spending cuts, while congressional Democrats call for a “clean” funding bill to reopen the government.

If Congress reaches a deal and reopens the government before the SUN’s press deadline, many of these disruptions may be reversed or shortened.