The federal government is at risk of shutting down starting October 1, 2025, if Congress does not approve funding. Many federal agencies and their functions will be significantly curtailed or shut down unless they receive separate or mandatory funding.
Agencies and Functions Likely to Shut Down or Curtail Operations
- Most federal agencies will stop all but essential operations.
- Agencies will halt regulatory groups, delay new rules, guidance, or regulations.
- Public information offices in many agencies will close.
- Investigations and case processing in labor and employment agencies will largely stop.
- Administrative hearings and mediations will be canceled or postponed.
- Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) may halt non-essential activities.
- Smithsonian museums and the Smithsonian Zoo will close.
- The Food and Drug Administration will limit work to emergency responses only, pausing longer-term food safety projects.
Agencies and Programs Likely to Continue Operating
- Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits will continue but may experience service delays.
- Military operations and law enforcement will keep functioning.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and air traffic control will operate.
- Essential activities related to protecting human life or property will continue.
Specific Agencies Mentioned with Shutdown Plans
- Department of Labor: Enforcement and regulatory efforts curtailed; some safety investigations will continue.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Will cease nonessential functions but accept charges online and continue any urgent litigation.
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): Will stop new cases and hearings.
- Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs have contingency plans that specify which operations continue.
Potential Workforce Impact
- Unlike previous shutdowns where furloughed employees returned after reopening, this shutdown may include permanent layoffs for certain unfunded programs not prioritized by the administration.
- Agencies must prepare Reduction in Force (RIF) plans for unfunded programs, which means some employees may be permanently let go.
This shutdown stems from the failure to pass appropriations or a continuing resolution by the September 30 deadline, causing funding lapses for discretionary programs that do not have mandatory funding sources or other financial backstops.
