FAQ’s

What is a government shutdown?

Many federal government agencies and programs rely on annual funding appropriations passed by Congress. Every year, Congress must pass, and the President must sign, budget legislation for the next fiscal year, consisting of 12 appropriations bills, one for each appropriations subcommittee. Congress has not yet enacted any of the 12 bills for FY 2026 that make up the discretionary spending budget; without those bills or a continuing resolution, the federal government must shut down. In a “shutdown,” federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. Essential services continue to function, as do mandatory spending programs. 

What services are affected in a shutdown and how?

Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan, following guidance released in previous shutdowns and coordinated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The plan identifies which government activities may not continue until appropriations are restored, requiring furloughs and the halting of many agency activities. Essential services – many of which are related to public safety – continue to operate, with payments covering any obligations incurred only when appropriations are enacted.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

During a government shutdown, federal agencies are required to categorize their employees as either "essential" or "non-essential." The employees classified as "essential" continue to work during the shutdown but without pay. Employees classified as "non-essential” are furloughed.

Do furloughed federal employees get back pay?

The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive back pay once a shutdown ends.