Meta Description: The US government partially shuts down in 2025. Discover which services remain operational, which federal agencies are affected, and how this impacts social security, airports, law enforcement, and small businesses.
The United States entered a partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, as Congress failed to pass a spending deal before the fiscal year began. Federal agencies have directed hundreds of thousands of employees deemed non-essential to stay home, while essential workers continue without pay. This shutdown, unlike previous closures, comes with threats of permanent federal workforce reductions from the Trump administration.
When and Why Did the US Government Shut Down?
Every fiscal year, Congress passes detailed spending bills for federal agencies. If not completed before October 1, stopgap measures are used to prevent disruptions. The current stopgap expired on September 30, 2025, and partisan disagreements between Republicans and Democrats left many agencies without funding.
What Stays Open During the Shutdown?
Several critical services continue despite the shutdown:
- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid: Payments continue, but 12% of Social Security Administration staff are furloughed. Marketing campaigns are paused.
- Food Assistance Programs: SNAP and WIC operations continue as funding allows.
- Postal Services: USPS remains fully operational since it is independently funded.
- Air Travel: Over 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working without pay; TSA operations largely continue.
- Military and Law Enforcement: 2 million military personnel, National Guard units, FBI, DEA, and other federal law enforcement agencies remain active.
- Immigration and Border Security: Border patrol and immigration enforcement agents continue working; Justice Department staff overseeing immigration courts largely remain on duty.
What Closes or Slows Down?
Certain government operations face disruption:
- IRS: Fully staffed only for five days; longer-term shutdown effects unclear.
- Federal Courts: May run out of money to sustain operations after October 17.
- Economic Data Releases: Key reports, including employment and GDP figures, are suspended.
- Small Business Administration: 24% of staff furloughed; new loans for small businesses temporarily halted.
- FEMA: About 4,000 employees furloughed, but $2.3 billion in disaster relief funds remain available.
Comparison: Key Services Open vs. Closed
| Service | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & National Guard | 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 Releases | Closed | Key employment and GDP reports suspended |
What This Means for Americans
The 2025 government shutdown impacts millions of Americans, from federal workers missing paychecks to businesses awaiting SBA loans. While essential services like social security, air travel, law enforcement, and disaster relief continue, delays in federal courts, IRS operations, and economic reporting may have ripple effects across the economy.
Internal Linking Suggestions
- How Government Shutdowns Affect Social Security and Medicare
- FEMA and Disaster Relief During Federal Funding Gaps
- US Airports and TSA Operations During Government Shutdown
Conclusion
The 2025 US government shutdown highlights the delicate balance of federal funding and political negotiations. While critical services remain operational, non-essential employees face furloughs, and key administrative functions are temporarily suspended. The shutdown will continue until Congress and the White House reach a new spending agreement.
