A government shutdown means that the federal government stops all non- essential operations and services because Congress has failed to pass funding legislation for the new fiscal year. This results in freezing activities in many government agencies, furloughing non-essential workers who cannot work or get paid until funding is restored, and only maintaining essential services related to safety and national security. Services such as air travel control, Social Security payments, health care for veterans, and border security typically continue, but many other government functions, including national parks, routine inspections, and some administrative processes, halt temporarily. This shutdown happens due to political disagreements on budget funding, such as disputes over healthcare policy or spending levels. Essential workers often work without pay during the shutdown and may receive back pay once the government reopens. The shutdown both impacts government employees and disrupts public services until Congress and the President resolve the funding impasse.
