Government Shutdown Imminent—Here’s What You Need to Know
With Congress racing against the clock and no funding deal in sight by Tuesday, a federal government shutdown appears increasingly likely. But not all services stop when the government shuts down. Some critical functions continue, while others grind to a halt—leaving millions of Americans wondering how their daily lives will be affected .
Services That KEEP Running During a Shutdown
- U.S. Postal Service – Self-funded; mail delivery continues uninterrupted.
- Social Security & Medicare – Entitlement programs remain operational, though new claims may face delays.
- Active-Duty Military – Troops stay on duty but may not receive pay until funding resumes.
- Air Traffic Control – Essential for public safety; fully staffed.
- Law Enforcement & Border Patrol – Deemed essential; operations continue.
Services That STOP During a Shutdown
- National Parks & Museums – Most close to the public; limited maintenance only.
- Passport Processing – Suspended or severely delayed.
- IRS Tax Refunds – New refunds halted; only automated systems may run.
- FDA Inspections – Routine food and drug safety checks paused.
- Federal Permit Approvals – Including business licenses, visas, and gun background checks (partial delays).
Infographic: Shutdown Impact at a Glance
| Category | Status During Shutdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Delivery | ✅ Continues | USPS is independent and self-funded |
| National Parks | ❌ Closed | Some remain accessible but unstaffed |
| Social Security Checks | ✅ Paid | New applications may be delayed |
| VA Hospitals | ✅ Open | Medical services continue |
| Federal Courts | ✅ Open (short term) | Funding reserves last ~2–3 weeks |
Figure: Visual guide to federal service continuity during a 2025 shutdown (Source: Congressional Research Service).
What About Federal Workers?
Approximately 800,000 federal employees could be furloughed or required to work without pay. Historically, Congress has approved back pay after shutdowns, but there’s no guarantee during the current political stalemate [INTERNAL_LINK:u-s-government-shutdown-history].
Sources
- The New York Times: Which Federal Benefits and Services Continue During a Government Shutdown?
- Congressional Research Service, “Shutdown Effects on Federal Operations” (2025)
- U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Contingency Plans
