During a government shutdown, most non-essential federal government operations and services stop until new funding legislation is passed. Essential services related to national security and public safety continue to operate, including air traffic control, law enforcement, border security, emergency medical care, and power grid maintenance. Mandatory spending programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid also continue without interruption because they are funded outside the annual appropriations process. Some specific impacts of a shutdown include:
- Federal employees deemed non-essential are furloughed.
- Routine inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration may be suspended.
- National parks and many federal museums typically close or operate with reduced services.
- Airport security screenings and air traffic control remain operational but may face delays due to staffing issues.
- Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) generally continue initially but could face disruptions if the shutdown is prolonged.
- Veterans continue to receive medical care and pension benefits, although some Department of Veterans Affairs services may be suspended.
- Some small business loan programs and other discretionary programs may be paused.
Overall, essential safety, security, and mandatory benefit functions keep running, while many discretionary and non-essential government activities stop until funding is restored.
