Many people rely on federal programs that support their health, safety, nutrition, child care, housing and economic security. A government shutdown undermines the stability of these programs, delays benefits, closes offices and puts children at risk.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress and the president are unable to reach agreement on funding. Unlike state governments, which have the authority to operate independently, most federal agencies rely on annual funding appropriations passed by Congress and signed into law by the president. Without new appropriations, non-essential agency activities cease and staff are furloughed. Some services – including those related to public safety and national security – continue as they are mandatory.
Prior to 1980, the government could continue operating as normal if no new appropriations were passed and the attorney general gave an opinion that an agency’s work was essential. Today, each agency develops a “shutdown plan” to decide which of its activities may continue during a lapse in funding and what work must be stopped. This determination is based on past experiences and the views of agency leadership, with each agency determining what constitutes its core functions. Essential employees (such as air traffic controllers, TSA agents and Customs and Border Protection officers) are deemed necessary for their jobs and are kept on the job without pay, while others are furloughed.
A lapse in funding is expected to cause a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies because Congress has not passed an appropriations bill for the new fiscal year. However, a government shutdown may not affect the military or national parks because they are funded through dedicated revenue streams.
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