A government shutdown happens when Congress and the White House do not enact annual funding by the deadline, causing nonessential federal operations to pause. Essential services—like air traffic control and border protection—continue, but many federal workers are furloughed and some public services are delayed. With the fiscal year starting October 1, 2025, agencies are prepared to follow contingency plans if funding lapses.
What happened
As of September 30, 2025, Congress faced a funding deadline at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, when the new fiscal year begins. Lawmakers can avert a shutdown by passing full-year appropriations or a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that extends current funding levels. If no measure is enacted and signed by the president, a shutdown begins and agencies implement their plans, according to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) [[source:https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/]].
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says agencies must identify “excepted” work that continues for safety of life or property, and furlough non-excepted staff until funding resumes [[source:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/]]. Past shutdowns have ranged from one to 35 days, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS) [[source:https://crsreports.congress.gov/]].
Floor schedules and negotiations are controlled by congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House leadership, who can bring CRs or appropriations bills to a vote.
Why it matters
- Federal employees: Many are furloughed; those deemed excepted work without pay until funding resumes. Back pay has historically been granted by Congress after past shutdowns, but it requires legislation.
- Public services: National parks may close or reduce services; passport and visa processing can slow; some federal call centers pause. Impacts vary by agency and local conditions.
- Air travel: Flights continue. TSA officers and air traffic controllers work as excepted employees, which can create staffing strain and occasional delays.
- Benefits: Many mandatory programs (e.g., Social Security and Medicare) continue issuing payments, though some customer service and new applications may face delays depending on agency resources.
- Businesses and grants: Some federal contracts, loans, and grants can be delayed, potentially affecting cash flow for contractors, universities, and nonprofits.
Context & background
A government shutdown is a lapse in discretionary appropriations. It is different from the debt limit, which concerns the government’s ability to borrow to pay existing obligations. A CR is a temporary law that keeps agencies funded at current levels for a set period to buy time for negotiations.
Historically significant shutdowns include a 16-day closure in 2013 and a 35-day partial shutdown spanning December 2018 to January 2019, the longest on record, per CRS [[source:https://crsreports.congress.gov/]]. Impacts differ by agency based on OMB-approved contingency plans, which outline essential operations, staffing, and legal authorities [[source:https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/]].
Key players include House and Senate leaders, the chairs and ranking members of the Appropriations Committees, the president, OMB (which oversees agency plans), and OPM (which guides federal workforce actions). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s control of the Senate floor schedule is pivotal to moving any bipartisan CR or spending package.
What stays open vs. what may close
| Area | Likely to stay open | May pause or reduce |
|---|---|---|
| Air travel | TSA screening, air traffic control | Longer lines; limited customer service |
| Benefits | Social Security, Medicare payments | Some services/new applications may slow |
| Public lands | Some sites open with limited services | Visitor centers, facilities, and many parks may close |
| Passports/visas | Processing continues where fee-funded and staffed | Backlogs or reduced hours depending on location |
| Federal workforce | Excepted staff work without pay | Non-excepted staff furloughed |
What to watch next
Watch for movement on a CR or full-year appropriations. Agencies update contingency plans publicly. Federal workers receive agency-specific guidance from OPM. Travelers and benefit recipients should monitor official agency sites for service updates.
Timeline
- September 30, 2025 (by 11:59 p.m. ET): Deadline for Congress to pass funding or a CR.
- October 1, 2025 (12:01 a.m. ET): Fiscal Year 2026 begins; a government shutdown starts if no funding is enacted.
- Week of October 1–4, 2025: Agencies implement OMB-approved contingency plans; OPM issues detailed workforce guidance.
- After funding resumes: Pay is processed; agencies restore paused operations and address backlogs.
Quick checklist
- Federal employees: Confirm your status (excepted or furloughed) with your supervisor; review OPM furlough guidance [[source:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/]].
- Travelers: Check TSA and airline advisories; arrive early for flights.
- Parks visitors: Verify operating status on NPS or local land agency sites.
- Benefit recipients: Use official portals for status updates; beware of scams.
- Contractors/grantees: Contact your contracting officer or grants officer for instructions.
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Key takeaways
- The government shutdown clock turns at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, 2025, if no funding is enacted.
- Essential operations continue; many public services slow or pause per OMB plans.
- Federal workers may miss paychecks during a lapse; back pay requires legislation.
- Impacts vary by agency; monitor official sources for real-time updates.
Sources
- Office of Management and Budget: Agency Contingency Plans [[source:https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/]]
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Furlough Guidance [[source:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/]]
- Congressional Research Service: Federal Funding Gaps and Shutdowns [[source:https://crsreports.congress.gov/]]
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