A government shutdown occurs when the legislative branch fails to pass funding bills to finance the government's operations, causing many federal agencies and programs to cease non-essential functions. During a shutdown, non- essential government services stop, non-essential federal employees are furloughed (put on temporary leave without pay), and only essential services related to protecting life and property continue to operate. Essential employees may work without pay until funding is restored. Shutdowns happen due to political impasses over budget appropriations and can disrupt many public services and employees' pay until Congress agrees on a funding bill.
