what causes government shutdown

A government shutdown is caused by a failure of the legislative branch to pass funding legislation (appropriations bills) necessary to finance the government for its next fiscal year or a temporary funding measure. This funding lapse results in a cessation of some or all government operations, with non- essential federal employees furloughed and only essential services that protect human life or property continuing to operate. Such shutdowns often happen due to partisan disagreements over proposed budget levels or controversial amendments to appropriations bills. In the United States, shutdowns are triggered when Congress and the president cannot agree on how to spend federal funds by the fiscal year deadline, usually October 1. This can include disputes over spending amounts or specific policy conditions, as seen in past shutdowns related to border wall funding, healthcare policy, or spending cuts. The shutdown disrupts government services, furloughs workers, reduces government revenue, and negatively impacts economic growth until a funding agreement is reached.