what happens if us government shuts down

If the U.S. government shuts down due to Congress failing to approve funding, many federal operations stop except for essential services. Non-essential federal employees are furloughed (temporarily out of work without pay), while essential employees work without pay until funding is restored, after which furloughed workers receive back pay. Essential services like active-duty military, federal law enforcement, air traffic control, and TSA continue to operate. Many public services, including national parks, museums, and certain federal programs, close or delay operations, and the issuance of some documents like passports slows down. The shutdown also delays economic data releases and can negatively impact federal contractors who do not receive back pay. The shutdown harms federal employees financially and disrupts public services widely until a funding deal is reached to reopen the government.