US Government Faces Shutdown: What Closes and What Remains Open

As the US federal government approaches a potential shutdown, many citizens are grappling with the implications of such a scenario. A shutdown is set to occur at 12:01 am on October 1, 2025, following Congress’s failure to pass a funding bill before the end of the fiscal year, which concludes on September 30. This situation is creating significant concerns over the disruption of federal services, which could impact millions of Americans and the broader economy.

Understanding a Government Shutdown

A US government shutdown happens when Congress does not approve funding for federal agencies by a specific deadline. This typically aligns with the end of the fiscal year. In the absence of approved funding, numerous government operations must either halt or significantly reduce their activities. Non-essential services are paused, with federal employees facing furloughs or working without pay until a budget agreement is reached. Political disagreements surrounding the federal budget often trigger these shutdowns, highlighting the contentious nature of budget negotiations.

Services Affected by the Shutdown

Despite the looming shutdown, certain essential services will continue to function. Programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will remain operational, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their checks as scheduled. However, citizens may experience processing delays if support staff are furloughed.

Air travel is expected to remain unaffected, with air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents continuing their duties. While airports and flights will stay operational, travelers might face longer wait times due to staffing shortages and limitations on overtime pay.

Military operations will proceed as normal, although service members will not receive compensation until after the shutdown concludes. National Guard troops on active duty will continue their assignments, with expanded deployments ordered in cities such as Washington, D.C., Memphis, and Portland. Immigration and customs enforcement services, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will maintain their core functions.

The US Postal Service remains unaffected by the shutdown as it operates on a self-funding basis. Additionally, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue for the time being, although funding could face challenges if the shutdown extends for several weeks.

However, not all services will be spared from immediate impacts. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is at critical risk, with funding projected to run out within a week of the shutdown, according to the National WIC Association. Cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close their doors to the public, though animal care will continue behind the scenes.

The status of national parks remains uncertain. Previous shutdowns have seen some parks remain open without staff, leading to issues such as overflowing trash and property damage. The Department of the Interior has yet to provide a definitive plan for this shutdown.

As this situation unfolds, essential federal employees are required to work without pay until the government reopens, while non-essential employees face furloughs. A law enacted in 2019 guarantees that all affected workers will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes.

With the clock ticking toward the shutdown, the pressure mounts on lawmakers to find a resolution. The implications of a government shutdown extend beyond federal operations, affecting the economy and daily lives of citizens across the United States.