Late last night the United States Senate failed to pass a last-minute effort to keep the federal government running through November 21, 2025. The clean continuing resolution failed 55-45 with three Democratic Senators crossing party lines to vote in the affirmative and Republican Senator Rand Paul voting no. Thus, a shutdown began at 12:01 am on October 1, 2025.

During a shutdown, essential activities that protect life and property – such as military operations, law enforcement, food and drug safety, and critical health services – continue to operate. The constitutional functions of the presidency and Congress also continue, and Senate-confirmed officials remain on duty. Entities funded outside of annual appropriations, including the Federal Reserve, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), United States Postal Service (USPS), Amtrak, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, are able to continue their operations.

Federal Employees
Historically, about 40% of federal employees are furloughed during a shutdown, while approximately 60% continue to work as “excepted” (essential) employees. Pay for federal employees is paused during a shutdown, but by law, back pay is provided once funding resumes.

Travel & Transportation
In the area of travel and transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continue safety operations, though travelers may experience delays. US consulates and passport services remain operational as long as they have access to fee-funded resources.

Social Security, Health Care
Social Security and Medicare benefits continue to be distributed during a shutdown, though some administrative services may be delayed. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues clinical care where medically necessary, and certain research may proceed to avoid disrupting ongoing trials. Veterans’ medical care also continues, but some benefits such as education and training could face delays. Safety-net nutrition programs have typically continued when funding is available.

Parks & Museums
Many national parks and federal museums may close or limit services, which can affect local tourism. Some outdoor sites may remain accessible, but with reduced services.

National Defense
Uniformed military personnel continue to serve during a shutdown, while many civilian Department of Defense (DoD) employees may be furloughed initially. Critical support functions and certain cemetery operations, such as those at Arlington National Cemetery, continue.

Labor & Economic Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics and other agencies may delay the release of economic data, and data collection pauses could affect the quality of data for months. However, workplace safety inspections and certain permanently funded benefits continue.

Treasury Department
The Treasury Department continues borrowing and servicing debt during a shutdown. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suspends most customer service and some processing, but tax withholding and payment deadlines remain in effect.

 

Regulatory Agencies

Some regulatory agencies scale back investigations, reviews, and registrations during a shutdown. Market-surveillance functions that prevent financial disruptions typically continue, and safety recalls proceed where there is an imminent threat to human life.

Energy & Environment
The Department of the Interior may issue limited permits based on safety and legal obligations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues activities supported by non-appropriated funds, such as certain Superfund work. Some statistical and licensing functions, including Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing, may pause, but core nuclear security functions continue.

 

Housing
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Ginnie Mae operations have historically continued during shutdowns, and many HUD grants that have already been obligated proceed as planned. Subsidized housing programs may face funding constraints if a shutdown is prolonged, and most fair housing enforcement would pause.

Small Business
Disaster assistance generally continues during a shutdown, but traditional Small Business Administration (SBA) loan processing and certain support programs may be delayed or paused.

Federal Courts
The Supreme Court continues normal operations during short funding lapses, while lower courts may operate using non-appropriated funds until those are depleted.

Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve operations are unaffected by a shutdown, so monetary policy, bank supervision, and research continue. The CFPB also continues while funded through the Federal Reserve, with its scope determined by available resources.

Congress
Congress remains in session to resolve funding issues during a shutdown. However, congressional support agencies and facilities, such as the Library of Congress and the US Botanic Garden, may close to visitors.