When the U.S. government shuts down, it means that Congress has failed to pass funding legislation to finance government operations for the new fiscal year or a temporary funding measure. As a result, the federal government must stop all non-essential functions until funding is restored by Congress and signed into law. Essential services related to national security, public safety, and certain mandatory programs continue to operate, but non-essential government agencies close and their employees are furloughed without pay during the shutdown. Essential employees who continue to work do so without pay until the shutdown ends. Federal contractors also lose work and typically do not receive back pay. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments continue, but other services like national parks and museums may close, and delays in services such as air travel security and passport processing can occur. The shutdown causes economic disruption and affects millions of federal workers and the public relying on government services.
Key Points of a US Government Shutdown:
- Congress fails to pass funding bills, causing lapse in government appropriations.
- Non-essential federal operations stop; essential services continue.
- Federal employees in non-essential roles are furloughed and unpaid.
- Essential employees work without pay until funding is restored.
- Programs like Social Security, Medicare continue, but other services face interruptions.
- Air traffic control and TSA continue working but without pay.
- Economic and operational disruptions occur nationwide.
This shutdown situation is governed by the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits government agencies from obligating funds without congressional approval, leading to the cessation of operations that lack funding authorization.
