Yellow caution tape reading “Shutdown” wraps around the U.S. Capitol building amid the ongoing federal government shutdown | Image by Canva

A majority of Americans want Democrats to end the government shutdown, with 65% supporting passage of Republicans’ continuing resolution, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll released Monday.

The survey comes as federal workers brace for missed paychecks and key assistance programs edge toward collapse.

The shutdown has pushed the nation toward economic crisis. Service members and federal employees will miss their next paycheck, while food assistance for low-income women and children faces severe cuts.

States are confronting potential economic fallout, with layoffs looming across multiple sectors. The White House has blamed the impasse on Democrats’ insistence on funding healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

The poll found 70% of respondents oppose the shutdown entirely, and most believe Republicans have the upper hand in negotiations. Sixty-two percent said Republicans “will win the government shutdown,” while 55% said Democrats are “just trying to please their base.”

The survey underscores growing public frustration with the political standoff. Americans appear ready for compromise rather than continued gridlock that threatens essential services nationwide.