With Congress unable to pass a funding bill, the possibility of a federal government shutdown has become real — and many Americans are already asking: What exactly gets impacted?
Below is a breakdown of how a shutdown works, which programs stop or continue, and what to expect in the coming days.
How a Shutdown Works
When the federal government lacks appropriated funding, non-essential (or “discretionary”) agencies must suspend many operations. Essential services related to life and safety may continue, but many workers are furloughed or asked to work without immediate pay.
Because some programs operate under mandatory funding (i.e., funding already authorized by law, independent of annual budgets), they are less vulnerable to a shutdown.
Programs That Continue
Some services are protected even when federal funding lapses:
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Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid: These programs generally continue functioning because they are funded through mandatory spending.
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The U.S. Postal Service: As a self-funded agency, it tends to operate as usual.
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Certain national security, public safety, and emergency services: Some of these are considered essential, so they remain active during a shutdown.
What May Be Suspended or Disrupted
Several agencies and programs fall under discretionary funding and could see major interruptions:
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Public health & research agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services anticipates furloughing roughly 41% of its workforce. This would hamper non-urgent functions, public health initiatives, and oversight. Reuters
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Air travel & transportation: The FAA could furlough over 11,000 employees. Meanwhile, key roles like air traffic controllers and TSA agents would still work—but without pay until funding is restored. Reuters
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Education & school funding: While existing Pell Grants, federal student loans, and FAFSA processing may remain intact in the near term, many Department of Education staff will be furloughed, and new grant activity or oversight might be delayed. AP News
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National parks & federal land services: Many parks intend to remain open using visitor fees to fund limited operations, but visitor centers, restrooms, guided tours, and other services may be scaled back. Politico
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Agency operations & approvals: Permits, licensing, regulatory reviews, and new initiatives may pause or slow dramatically during a shutdown.
What It Means for Workers & the Public
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Up to 750,000 federal employees may be furloughed or asked to work without pay, depending on how long the funding lapse lasts. TIME
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Even those deemed “essential” may still experience delayed pay until Congress restores funding.
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For the public, expect slower responses to service requests, delays in administrative processes, reduced staffing at federal offices, and disruptions to programs that rely on discretionary funding.
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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