A government shutdown means that the federal government stops all non- essential operations and services because Congress has not passed funding legislation to finance government functions. During a shutdown, many federal agencies freeze operations, and hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed (placed on temporary unpaid leave). Essential services related to national security, law enforcement, air traffic control, and programs funded by mandatory spending like Social Security continue to operate, often without immediate pay for workers until funding is restored. The shutdown causes interruptions in public services such as national parks closing, delays in visa and passport processing, and disruptions to federal loans and inspections. This happens when political disagreements in Congress prevent approval of the budget for the new fiscal year or temporary funding, causing a lapse in government funding and forcing these shutdown measures.
In the current 2025 shutdown, these disruptions are affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees who are furloughed or working without pay, with key political sticking points related to healthcare funding. The shutdown lasts until Congress agrees on a funding bill signed by the President.
