A government shutdown means that the legislative branch has failed to pass the necessary funding bills to finance government operations, causing a full or partial halt of federal government activities. During a shutdown, non- essential government functions stop, non-essential workers are furloughed (temporarily laid off without pay), and only essential employees, such as military personnel, law enforcement, and emergency response workers, continue working. These essential workers may not get paid until funding is restored. Shutdowns occur due to political disagreements that prevent the approval of spending bills before the fiscal year's start, forcing agencies to cease operations under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending without congressional authorization. This has real impacts like closing national parks, delaying court hearings, suspending research, and delaying pay and services until the shutdown ends. The most recent shutdown began in October 2025 due to a funding impasse between Congress and the President.
