During a U.S. government shutdown, many federal agencies and services temporarily close or significantly reduce operations due to a lack of funding. The shutdown affects non-essential functions while essential services related to public safety, health, and national security generally continue but often with limited staffing or delayed pay. Here are the main impacts:
- Many federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are put on temporary unpaid leave.
- Essential services like immigration enforcement, air traffic control, and military operations continue but employees typically work without pay until the shutdown ends.
- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue because they are funded through mandatory spending, though some related services may experience delays.
- The U.S. Postal Service operates normally since it is funded through service fees, not Congress.
- National parks and Smithsonian museums typically close.
- Several government offices, including some Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices and parts of the Department of Labor, reduce or suspend activities.
- Federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and CIA continue operations without pay.
- Many government contract workers may not be paid during the shutdown.
- Certain government research and public health projects pause or slow down.
- IRS operations diminish after a short initial period.
- Court operations might be limited due to funding running out quickly.
Overall, non-essential government functions halt, impacting public services ranging from passport processing to data collection, while critical security and health services persist but often under constraints with furloughs or delayed salary payments.
