The US federal government has officially shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget impasse, halting operations and causing widespread disruption across the country.
The deadlock, which affects funding through October and beyond, has put about 40% of federal workers – nearly 750,000 employees – on unpaid leave, raising concerns about its economic and social impact.
Air travel is one of the most affected sectors. While air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff are considered “essential” and will continue working, they will not be paid until the shutdown ends. During the last major shutdown in 2018–2019, unpaid workers increasingly called in sick, leading to significant delays at airports.
Americans planning overseas trips could also face delays, as passport agencies have warned of slower processing times.
Federal employees, especially those not deemed essential, will face the toughest conditions. Many will be furloughed without pay, while law enforcement officers, border agents, immigration staff, and medical workers in federal hospitals will continue to work unpaid. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, over 200,000 law enforcement officers will remain on duty without salaries.
The shutdown is also affecting major departments:
- Department of Defense (civilian staff): 334,904 furloughed, 406,573 retained
- Department of Health: 32,460 furloughed, 47,257 retained
- Department of Commerce: 34,711 furloughed, 8,273 retained
- Department of State: 16,651 furloughed, 10,344 retained
- NASA: 15,094 furloughed, 3,124 retained
Critical institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will furlough many workers, slowing down vital medical research and experiments. National parks, zoos, and museums may also reduce services or shut their doors.
President Donald Trump has insisted that the shutdown could further reduce government spending and accelerate layoffs, but critics argue that millions of families will bear the brunt of the crisis. Meanwhile, members of Congress remain unaffected, as their salaries are protected by the US Constitution—an issue that continues to spark public outrage.
For now, the duration of the shutdown is uncertain, leaving federal workers, travelers, and communities nationwide in limbo.
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