What Happens During a U.S. Government Shutdown?

🧨 What Happens During a U.S. Government Shutdown?

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation by the deadline—typically September 30. When that happens, many federal agencies must stop or scale back operations due to the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending without approved funds.

✅ What Stays Open

• Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid: These are mandatory programs, so payments continue uninterrupted.

• Military & Law Enforcement: Active-duty personnel, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard remain on duty.

• Air Traffic Control & TSA: Essential travel services continue, though delays may occur due to staffing issues.

❌ What Shuts Down

• National Parks & Museums: Most close to the public; rangers and staff are furloughed.

• Federal Agencies: Departments like Education, EPA, and NASA pause nonessential operations.

• Furloughs: Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are sent home without pay until funding resumes.

⚠️ Common Myths Debunked

Myth	Reality
“Social Security checks stop.”	No—they’re funded by mandatory spending and continue as usual.
“The whole government shuts down.”	Not true. Essential services and mandatory programs keep running.
“Shutdowns save money.”	Actually, they cost billions in lost productivity, delayed services, and back pay.