A government shutdown in 2025 will affect a wide array of groups and services across the United States:
- Federal Employees: Hundreds of thousands of federal workers, especially non-essential staff, may be furloughed or put on unpaid leave, risking paychecks. Essential workers like law enforcement, air traffic controllers, TSA, and military personnel may continue working without pay until funds resume.
- Government Contractors and Businesses: Those who rely on government contracts or funding may face financial strain, including risks of bankruptcy.
- Public Services: Many government services will face delays or suspensions. Passport processing, benefits application (Social Security, Veterans Affairs), disaster aid, flood insurance, food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC), and education funding (Head Start, Pell Grants) may be disrupted or delayed.
- Health and Safety: Agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will reduce operations, affecting food safety inspections, disease monitoring, and public health guidance.
- National Parks and Museums: May close, and maintenance will halt.
- Economy: The shutdown can cause significant economic harm, reducing GDP and creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers.
- Vulnerable Populations: Reduced funding for nutrition programs and assistance can harm low-income families, mothers, infants, and children.
- Travel: Flight delays and longer TSA lines can occur due to staff absenteeism or lack of pay.
Overall, millions of Americans, including federal workers, beneficiaries of government programs, travelers, and businesses, will be affected by a government shutdown, facing service interruptions, delayed benefits, and economic disruptions.
