The U.S. Government Has Officially Shutdown — Here’s What That Means
The United States Government officially shutdown at 12:01 AM this morning (Wednesday 1st October, 2025), after lawmakers in Congress failed to reach an agreement on how to extend funding to keep the Government running for the next seven (7) weeks. This is the first shutdown since midway through U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term, back in late 2018 and early 2019, in which Trump eventually gave up some ground after five (5) weeks elapsed, as complications mounted at the time.
The GOP-held House of Representatives previously approved the Republicans’ proposed measure to keep the Government open for the next seven (7) weeks, but needed support from the Democrats in order to pass the legislation through the upper chamber — which did not happen, leading to this new shutdown.
Republicans insist their proposed measure should be passed in the Senate with no baggage attached, while Democrats insist that their support will only be given if concessions are made by the GOP on health care matters, such as the extension of enhanced subsidies for enrollees under the Affordable Care Act.
A meeting between President Donald Trump and the top congressional leaders in both parties at the White House on Monday (29th September, 2025) bore exactly zero fruits.
While a shutdown does not mean all Government functions instantly collapse, there are some instant effects, such as the likely closing down of national parks and federally-funded museums. The ramifications of the shutdown only increase with time. Mandatory spending, however, such as the dispensation of Social Security checks, continues.
While “essential workers” will stay on the job, that term is not well-defined. Air traffic controllers and most Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees fall into this category and have to stay on the job, even if it means they work without pay. However, if the shutdown drags on for an extended period of time, travelers heading to Airports across the country could see more “sick-outs” of key personnel — which occurred during the last Government shutdown in 2018 - 2019, as workers expressed anger over missing paychecks.
While U.S. Passport agencies will remain open, it could take longer to process applications with some employees furloughed.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will keep the mail moving as usual, as it is primarily self-funded and not dependent on the appropriations process to continue running as usual.
The biggest impacts of the shutdown will likely be felt by federal workers and active-duty military service members, who will not receive a paycheck during this time. The White House previously threatened mass layoffs — known as a Reduction In Force (RIF) — of federal employees, in addition to furlough notices, in the case of a shutdown.
"Federal employees and active duty military members don't get paychecks"
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 1, 2025
"Travel delays"
"Social Security, and SNAP, and WIC [disruptions]"
"Delays in Medicare and Medicaid payments, some VA services"
This is what Democrats are causing with their destructive shutdown. pic.twitter.com/wWxf7ty258
According to the U.S. Constitution, the only salaries the Government are obligated to pay during the shutdown will be members of Congress and the sitting President. However, elected officials can request that their paychecks be deferred while a shutdown is ongoing, as some have already done. Federal employees and military members will get back-pay once the shutdown is over.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) said it would continue to provide routine forecasts, as well as extreme weather watch and warning information. Many of its day-to-day weather operations will also continue uninterrupted, including urgent repairs to radar and other key equipment. However, routine maintenance, upgrades and long-term projects for less critical services could be delayed, the NWS warned.
Most employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are considered exempt from the shutdown and will be available for any emergency or disasters. However, the main funding source for FEMA, the Disaster Relief Fund, is running dangerously low and requires congressional approval for additional funds. During the shutdown, FEMA would implement immediate-needs funding, and this could mean delays in reimbursements to States and Local Governments.
FEMA also administers the National Flood Insurance Program, which is expected to lapse as Congress was unable to pass a spending bill.
More on this as it becomes available.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
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