What Happens When the Government Shuts Down?

What Happens When the Government Shuts Down?

By Hector Tiru  

Would you go to work even though you aren’t getting paid? Unfortunately, this is the reality for thousands of federal employees after the U.S. government officially shut down at 12:01 AM on October 1, 2025. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to reach a consensus on a funding plan for the new fiscal year. Essentially, this means stopping many government services and leaving federal workers uncertain about when they will be paid again. During this shutdown, both Republican and Democratic funding proposals failed to gain enough support in the Senate. Without a proper agreement in place, many government agencies must suspend nonessential services until funding is restored.

An example of suspended services can be seen in the lack of updates on certain federal agencies’ social media accounts. For instance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted on its Instagram: “Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.” However, some employees, such as law enforcement officers, health and safety workers, and members of the military, are considered essential and must continue working without pay until the shutdown ends. Conversely, other employees, including staff at federal agencies and research programs, are being furloughed. This means they are sent home without pay. While all employees are guaranteed back pay once the government reopens, the short-term loss of income creates challenges for many families. The impact can be significant, as seen during the longest government shutdown on record in 2018, which lasted 35 days.

The good news is that essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Postal Service will continue to operate. On the other hand, areas such as federal courts and health research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are preparing to scale back if a funding deal isn’t reached soon, according to National Public Radio. Meanwhile, economists estimate that each week of the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy up to $15 billion, stressing the importance of a resolution as soon as possible.

Although this shutdown may feel distant to us high school students, it serves as a major example of how important it is to be civically engaged. This can take shape in many forms, such as staying informed through reliable sources or reaching out to local congressional representatives. If you live in Kenilworth, our local representation in Congress is District 10 Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. Seniors, you can also register to vote once you turn 18, which is arguably one of the most crucial ways to have a voice in how the government functions. Even though shutdowns can be frustrating since they prevent society from functioning properly, they also serve as a reminder that democracy depends on participation. Understanding the issues, asking questions, and engaging in a respectful manner is the best way to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.