what does it mean us government shutdown

A U.S. government shutdown means that all non-essential federal government functions stop because Congress has failed to pass the necessary funding bills to keep the government operating. During a shutdown, federal agencies pause operations that are not deemed essential, and many federal workers are furloughed (put on temporary unpaid leave), while essential services related to public safety, national security, and health continue to operate. This happens because federal agencies require approved budgets to spend money, and without that approval, they are legally required to halt non-essential activities. Key consequences include the closure of national parks, disruption to various government services, uncertainty and unpaid furlough for many federal workers, and potential negative impacts on the economy. Essential services like air traffic control, military defense, law enforcement, and social security payments typically continue during a shutdown. Shutdowns occur due to political disagreements over budget appropriations, often leading to deadlock between Congress and the President on government spending priorities. The shutdown continues until Congress passes, and the President signs, a funding bill to reopen the government.