what happens when government shuts down

When the government shuts down due to a failure to pass budget or funding bills, many federal operations cease or reduce significantly. Approximately 40% of the federal workforce, around 800,000 employees, may be furloughed without pay, while essential workers like air traffic controllers, TSA officers, military personnel, and emergency responders continue to work but do not receive pay until funding is restored. This causes widespread disruptions in services such as air travel, passport processing, federal research, and public safety operations. National parks, museums, and some federal offices may close or limit services, and long-term projects or inspections by agencies like the FDA and EPA may be delayed or suspended. While programs like Social Security, Medicare, and military activities continue, delays and backlogs in various government functions and economic impacts typically arise during the shutdown period.