When the U.S. government shuts down, all non-essential federal government functions and services are halted until Congress approves funding. Essential services related to national security, public safety, and protection of life and property continue to operate but often without immediate pay. Non- essential employees are furloughed and do not receive pay until the shutdown ends. Key shutdown impacts include:
- Closure or suspension of many federal agencies and programs such as national parks, museums, and routine inspections by agencies like the FDA.
- Suspension or reduction of services such as immigration court hearings and some social services.
- Essential workers like active-duty military personnel, federal law enforcement officers (including FBI and CIA), air traffic controllers, and TSA officers continue working without pay during the shutdown.
- Critical social programs funded by mandatory spending, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, generally continue but associated marketing and some administrative functions may halt.
- The U.S. Postal Service remains operational as it is self-funded through fees.
- Courts may face operational limits if the shutdown is prolonged.
- Federal employees in non-essential roles are furloughed and will receive back pay after the shutdown ends, but contractors usually do not get paid during the shutdown.
These effects stem from the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending without congressional approval, leading to partial or full closure of government activities during funding gaps.
