A government shutdown (or partial shutdown) does not mean everything stops. It depends on whether a given function is “essential” or not, and whether it’s mandatory vs discretionary spending. The current funding for many federal agencies is set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (ET) on October 1st, 2025, unless Congress passes a continuing resolution (CR) or full appropriation bills.
¿Qué está pasando?
- Hasta el momento, no se ha llegado a ningún acuerdo.
- Algunas agencias federales ya están preparando planes de contingencia (por ejemplo, planes temporales de pago o despidos masivos) en caso de que se agote el financiamiento.
- Si ocurre el cierre, varios programas y servicios no “esenciales” podrían suspenderse o retrasarse.
What might stop or be delayed:
- Federal Workforce: Many employees may be furloughed (i.e. temporarily sent home without pay) if their duties are non‑essential.
- Air Travel / Aviation: Slower operations, delays, safety inspections and maintenance may be postponed.
- IRS: Paper processing, in-person help, and responses to calls could be delayed.
- Public Health Agencies: Some research, oversight, public communications could be curtailed.
- Immigration / USCIS: Some services may be delayed, approvals slowed.
What likely continues or is less affected:
- Federal Workforce: Essential workers (TSA, air traffic controllers, military, etc.) often continue working — though sometimes without pay until appropriations are restored.
- Air travel / Aviation: Basic oversight may continue (for safety reasons), but upgrades, training, modernization could slow.
- IRS: Electronic filing systems may remain functional (returns, payments) in many cases.
- Public Health Agencies: Programs like Medicare, Medicaid, “mandatory” health benefits generally continue.
- Immigration / USCIS: Some core functions may remain, especially those under funded or separately authorized programs.
Congress had until midnight on September 30th, 2025 to pass a federal funding bill. In the meantime, we suggest you continue monitor announcements from Congress, the White House, and your relevant federal agencies (e.g. IRS, USCIS). If you rely on government services (e.g. visa processing, public health programs, social services), check if your service is considered “essential” or discretionary.
Federal employees should check with their HR / agency headquarters for instructions about furloughs, pay, and return‑to‑work status. And if you are doing any business or personal planning (e.g., travel, relying on permits, regulatory filings, etc.), build in buffer time in case delays occur.