Meta Description: The 2025 US government shutdown affects federal services nationwide. Learn which agencies are open, which are closed, and how it impacts social security, air travel, law enforcement, and small businesses.
The United States entered a partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress and the White House failed to agree on a new spending plan before the fiscal year began. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed, while essential personnel continue working without pay. Unlike previous shutdowns, this one comes with potential long-term federal workforce reductions threatened by the Trump administration.
Why the Government Shutdown Happened
Each year, Congress must pass detailed funding legislation for federal agencies. If this process is delayed, temporary funding bills, known as continuing resolutions, keep the government running. The last stopgap expired on September 30, 2025, and disagreements between Republicans and Democrats left many agencies without funding, triggering the shutdown.
Federal Services That Remain Open
Even during the shutdown, several vital services continue:
- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid: Benefits continue to be paid, although 12% of Social Security staff are furloughed and marketing campaigns are paused.
- Food Assistance Programs: SNAP and WIC operations continue, funded as resources allow.
- Postal Services: The USPS remains fully operational because it does not rely on Congressional funding.
- Airports and TSA: Air traffic controllers (over 13,000) and most TSA employees continue to work without pay.
- Military and Law Enforcement: Active-duty military, National Guard, FBI, DEA, and other federal law enforcement personnel remain on duty.
- Immigration and Border Security: Border patrol and immigration enforcement agents continue working; most customs operations remain unaffected.
Services Experiencing Delays or Pauses
Some federal functions are disrupted:
- IRS: Fully staffed for only five days; longer-term plans remain unclear.
- Federal Courts: Funding may run out after October 17, limiting court operations.
- Economic Data Reporting: Key reports, including employment and GDP statistics, are suspended.
- Small Business Administration: 24% of staff furloughed; new small business loans temporarily paused.
- FEMA: About 4,000 employees furloughed, though disaster relief funds remain available.
Open vs Closed Services Table
| Service | Status | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security & Medicare | Open | Payments continue; 12% staff furloughed |
| SNAP & WIC | Open | Operations continue as funding allows |
| USPS | Open | Fully operational |
| Air Traffic Controllers & TSA | Open | Continue working without pay |
| Military & Law Enforcement | Open | Active without pay |
| Federal Courts | Partial | May run out of funding after Oct 17 |
| IRS | Partial | Fully staffed for 5 days only |
| SBA | Partial | 24% staff furloughed; limited lending |
| FEMA | Partial | Some staff furloughed; disaster funds available |
| Economic Data Reporting | Closed | Key employment and GDP reports suspended |
How Americans Are Affected
The 2025 shutdown impacts millions: federal employees face missed paychecks, small businesses may wait longer for loans, and delays in court operations and economic data may affect markets. However, critical services like social security, military operations, and disaster relief continue without interruption.
Internal Linking Suggestions
- Government Shutdown Impact on Social Security and Medicare
- FEMA Operations and Disaster Response During Federal Funding Gaps
- Airport Operations and TSA During a Government Shutdown
Conclusion
The 2025 US government shutdown demonstrates the effects of delayed federal budgeting. While essential services continue, non-essential employees are furloughed, and certain government operations face delays. The shutdown will continue until Congress and the White House reach a new spending agreement.