When the government shuts down, non-essential federal agencies must cease operations due to a lapse in funding. This results in furloughs (temporary unpaid leave) for non-essential federal workers, while essential employees continue working but may not be paid until funding is restored. Around 900,000 federal workers could be affected, including potential layoffs. Some government services and programs continue during a shutdown:
- Essential personnel such as military members, FBI agents, CIA operatives, and air traffic controllers remain on duty.
- Mandatory spending programs like Social Security and Medicare continue.
- The U.S. Postal Service operates as it is self-funded.
However, many services are disrupted or delayed, including:
- Suspension of non-essential operations and delays in services such as passport and visa processing.
- National parks and museums typically close within days.
- Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) face potential funding challenges.
- Food safety inspections by the FDA and environmental protection activities may be delayed.
- Federal contractors may be furloughed without back pay.
Workers affected by furloughs miss paychecks during the shutdown but receive back pay once government funding resumes. The economic impact includes lost economic activity, potential declines in consumer sentiment, and disruptions in government-related businesses. Past shutdowns have caused billions in economic losses, though some losses are recovered after reopening. The longer a shutdown lasts, the more severe the consequences become. Overall, a government shutdown disrupts many federal services and economic activities, impacting federal workers, service users, and the broader economy until funding is restored.
