A government shutdown means that the federal government stops all non- essential functions due to a failure in Congress to approve funding. This results in many government services freezing, employees being furloughed without pay until funding is restored, and only essential government operations continuing to function. Examples of essential services include the military, law enforcement, air traffic control, and health care for veterans. The shutdown lasts until Congress passes a funding bill that the president signs into law.
What causes a government shutdown?
A shutdown occurs when Congress cannot agree on appropriations bills to fund the government for the new fiscal year. If no funding is authorized, the government must cease operations for agencies without approved budgets due to legal requirements like the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending without congressional approval.
Effects during a shutdown
- Non-essential federal employees are furloughed and do not get paid until the government reopens.
- Essential employees keep working but also typically do not receive pay immediately.
- Services like social security payments, Medicare, veteran healthcare, border security, and air traffic control continue.
- Many government services like processing applications, research funding, and national park operations halt temporarily.
Recent context
The most recent shutdown started on October 1, 2025, caused by political disagreements mainly over healthcare funding and budget priorities. The Trump administration has signaled that this shutdown could lead to mass federal employee layoffs, beyond typical furloughs seen in past shutdowns.
In summary, a government shutdown means many government functions pause because Congress and the President fail to pass funding, impacting federal workers and public services until resolved.
