As of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, the United States federal government has shut down due to Congress’s failure to reach an agreement on a short-term spending bill. While some employees will be temporarily furloughed, museums will remain open, and social security and other welfare benefits will continue to be distributed.
During the government shutdown, essential government functions will continue operating, but non-essential services will be paused, resulting in the cessation of wage payments. Many employees will be forced to take temporary unpaid leave until Congress passes new funding. Historically, about 40% of federal employees have been furloughed during a government shutdown, while the remaining 60% continue to work but experience delayed paychecks.
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the government shutdown.
Social security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits will continue to be distributed, but welfare verification and issuance services may be temporarily suspended.
Yes, but not immediately. Most federal employees will not receive pay during the government shutdown, but the law guarantees that they will receive back pay once the shutdown ends. However, private contractors who were forced to take leave during the shutdown and work with federal agencies are not guaranteed back pay. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 750,000 federal employees may be furloughed during the shutdown.
It is possible. The White House Office of Management and Budget has requested agencies to develop plans for personnel reductions during the shutdown, and President Trump has expressed support for further downsizing and cost-cutting. However, as of Tuesday night, the White House has not disclosed any specifics.
Employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic controllers will work without pay. Previous government shutdowns have seen increased absenteeism among these employees due to unpaid work, leading to travel delays.
Amtrak has announced that trains will continue to operate, but major infrastructure projects may be postponed.
U.S. embassies and passport offices are not affected by the government shutdown, as they operate on fee-based self-sustaining models. Therefore, passport services should continue, but delays may occur. Applicants may opt for expedited services if needed. Visa processing services, including H-1B visas, may also experience slowdowns or halts.
The National Park Service stated they aim to keep roads, trails, and monuments open. Parks that previously charged entrance fees will use remaining funds to provide visitor services like trash collection and restroom maintenance.
According to a website notice, the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo in Washington D.C. will remain open using funds from the previous year until at least October 6th.
In addition to federal employees being furloughed, companies reliant on regular government operations may lose business or face delays in critical approvals. Airport delays or park closures could impact the tourism industry. The specific effects will depend on the duration of the government shutdown, whether it lasts for days or weeks, and if the White House continues implementing downsizing plans during the funding interruption.
Yes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, has its own contingency plan to operate temporarily even during a funding lapse. However, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could be suspended if funding is not promptly received. Individuals applying for food stamp benefits may experience delays.
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s recent contingency plan, most Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees are deemed essential and will continue working. This means immigration enforcement and deportation actions will proceed, including nationwide arrests and raids.
Active-duty military personnel will continue working during the government shutdown. Services provided by the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration are unlikely to be significantly affected, but some employees may be furloughed. The core functions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue, but funding approvals will be paused, including new mortgage loans requiring flood insurance. The National Weather Service will continue to provide weather forecasts, but all field inspections and outreach activities will be suspended.