A government shutdown affects many aspects of federal operations, suspending nonessential services and furloughing hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay until funding is restored. Essential functions related to national security, public safety, and mandatory benefits like Social Security and Medicare continue but may face delays or reduced service capacity. Travelers may experience longer wait times due to understaffed airports and delayed passport processing. Programs like WIC and SNAP that provide nutritional aid could face immediate or eventual disruptions depending on the shutdown’s length. Economic effects include reduced federal spending, temporary layoffs, and potential declines in consumer confidence, which could slow GDP growth if the shutdown is prolonged. Agencies such as the FDA and EPA reduce or stop routine inspections, impacting public health and environmental safety. Overall, a shutdown disrupts government services, affects millions of federal employees, and can weigh on the broader economy.
