Welcome back to the Unify Brief, where we track the latest developments shaping our nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
Government Shutdown:
On Oct. 1, the U.S. government shut down after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on a funding bill to keep federal agencies operating.
The different branches of government must come to an agreement on spending plans before they become laws. The Republicans blamed the Democrats for the shutdown after a Democratic-backed spending bill that would have extended health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and reversed cuts to Medicaid failed.
However, a government shutdown happens when both Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on a bill that would determine the upcoming fiscal year. Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but lack the 60 votes needed in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, where Democrats hold enough seats to block legislation.
This gives Democrats leverage in funding negotiations. Democrats’ priorities include extending health-care subsidies, reversing Medicaid cuts enacted under President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and securing a commitment from the White House not to rescind spending passed by Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “Republicans ‘are not going to be held hostage’ by the Democrats’ demands.” Until the parties can come to an agreement, only essential services will continue. Services like the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, medical care workers and air-traffic control workers are to operate business as usual.
However, many “nonessential” government employees will be put on unpaid leave, while food assistance programs and federally funded preschool institutions will be reduced or shut down.
It is difficult to say how long this shutdown will last. The previous government shutdown in 2018 lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history.
Local: What’s going on at national parks in Colorado during the shut down? (CPR News)
National: U.S. government shuts down with path to reopen uncertain (BBC News)
What other college campuses have to say: Ask an expert: What happens during a government shutdown? (Penn State)
Supreme Court takes on gun law case:
On Oct. 3, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that will determine whether states can prohibit people from carrying guns onto private property without the owner’s permission.
Hawaii enacted this law in 2023 in response to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in 2022 that made obtaining a carry permit easier. However, the landmark ruling struck down a New York law that required residents to show “proper cause” to carry guns.
According to CNN, “‘Nothing in the text of the Second Amendment or otherwise suggests that a private property owner – even owners who open their private property to the public – must allow persons who bear arms to enter,’ the appeals court wrote in a unanimous opinion.”
The appeals court ruled that it is constitutional to prohibit guns on private property unless the property owners give their approval. Along with Hawaii, California, New York, New Jersey and Maryland have enacted similar restrictions, prompting the Supreme Court to take up the case.
Local: Colorado Republicans urge federal constitutional review of state gun laws (Colorado Newsline)
National: Supreme Court to consider overturning Hawaii law regulating where guns can be carried (ABC News)
What other college campuses have to say: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Guns (Johns Hopkins)
Trump makes a Gaza peace plan:
On Sep. 29, President Trump announced a peace plan for Gaza that would withdraw most Israeli troops if Hamas agreed to release all hostages. Many international powers backed this plan, calling Trump’s efforts “sincere” according to NBC News.
On Oct 3., Hamas agreed to the conditions.
President Trump shared a message that read, “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”
While Hamas has agreed to certain aspects of the peace plan, significant issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning disarmament and governance. The Trump administration has indicated that it is unlikely to alter these terms.
Local: Hamas willing to return remaining hostages in partial peace plan agreement; Trump orders stop to Gaza bombing (The Denver Post)
National: Middle East Updates: Trump Says Hamas Is Ready for Peace and Tells Israel to Stop Bombing (The New York Times)
What other college campuses have to say: Tom Ginsburg Writes About Trump’s Proposed Plan in Gaza (The University of Chicago Law School)
Take action:
At DU:
- Connect and show your support for international conflicts at student organizations like Club for Collective Liberation.
- Stay up to date and informed with the Unify Brief.
