what does a government shutdown do

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to enact funding legislation to finance federal government operations. During a shutdown, non-essential government agencies cease operations, non-essential federal employees are furloughed without pay, and essential employees work without pay until funding is restored. Essential services related to national security, public safety, and mandatory programs (like Social Security and Medicare) continue, but many public services and operations, such as national parks, museums, and routine inspections, are suspended or disrupted. The shutdown causes delays in services like passport processing and air travel and can negatively affect the economy due to lost productivity and disrupted services. Federal workers typically receive back pay once the shutdown ends. Shutdowns can especially harm vulnerable populations relying on programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.