A government shutdown means that all non-essential federal government functions are frozen due to a lapse in funding, as Congress has failed to pass appropriations bills or temporary funding measures. Essential services related to protecting life and property continue to operate, but many agencies close, federal workers may be furloughed without pay, and some government services like national parks and museums shut down entirely until funding is restored.
What happens during a government shutdown?
- Non-essential federal employees are furloughed (temporarily suspended) and do not receive pay during the shutdown, though they may get back pay once the shutdown ends.
- Essential employees in agencies like FBI, CIA, air traffic control, military, and border security continue to work but may not receive immediate pay.
- Programs funded by mandatory spending, such as Social Security and Medicare, continue as usual.
- The U.S. Postal Service also continues operations independently of the shutdown.
- Various services including national parks, federal museums, and other non-essential government services close until the funding issue is resolved.
Causes and context
Government shutdowns occur when legislative funding bills are not passed before the fiscal year begins. This is usually the result of political disputes in Congress. Shutdowns have happened multiple times in U.S. history, including recent ones in 2018–2019 and again in October 2025.
Impact on federal workers and economy
- Approximately 750,000 federal workers may be furloughed during a shutdown with no pay until funding is restored.
- Essential personnel continue to work without pay during the shutdown.
- Shutdowns disrupt government operations and can negatively affect the economy, causing delays, closures, and uncertainty.
In summary, a government shutdown temporarily halts most non-essential federal government operations and furloughs many federal employees due to lack of funding, while essential services continue with limited disruption until Congress resolves the budget deadlock.
