What Is A Government Shutdown?

The United States Government funding expired at midnight on Sept. 30, 2025. Each year, Congress must pass bills to approve funding for government agencies and services. If those bills are not passed on time, Congress can pass a continuing resolution, where money flows until funding levels are agreed upon. If there is no funding bill and no CR, the government shuts down because no funding has been approved. 

Who Is To Blame?

President Donald Trump and Republicans have blamed Democrats’ health care demands for the shutdown, while Democrats insist Republicans need to negotiate. The Senate is scheduled to return on Friday,  for another vote.

What are the impacts of a Government shutdown? 

Each agency and department has its own procedures on how to handle funding shortages during a shutdown. Federal workers typically will not be paid during government shutdowns; however, essential workers are still expected to show up to work, although they will not receive any wages until the shutdown ends. Military operations, the Transportation Security Administration, Social Security, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration are all vital examples of government agencies that will be impacted by the shutdown. Air traffic services will continue, although workers will not be paid until the government is funded again. Social Security benefits are deemed mandatory under the Social Security Act of 1935  and will not be disrupted by the shutdown. However, the Department of Human Services anticipates over 32,000 employees to be furloughed during the shutdown. 

Many local government websites have published explanations and resources on how to navigate the shutdown in their area and what to expect in the coming days.