what does a us government shutdown mean

A US government shutdown means that federal government funding has not been approved, causing all non-essential government functions to freeze or stop. This results from Congress failing to pass budget legislation before the new fiscal year begins. Non-essential federal agencies must cease operations and furlough many workers without pay, while essential services related to public safety and mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare continue to function. The shutdown impacts services like national parks, air travel, and government office operations, but basic functions such as law enforcement, air traffic control, and healthcare for veterans persist. Workers furloughed during the shutdown typically receive back pay once government funding is restored. Shutdowns happen due to political disputes over budget priorities, which can cause significant economic disruptions and public inconvenience until resolved.