Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass, and the president fails to sign, legislation that funds federal agencies and programs. When a funding gap occurs, non-essential functions cease, with the exception of those that are deemed to be essential for national security, public safety or protecting property. This includes military operations, inpatient and emergency medical care, airport security and air traffic control. It also means that museums and other historic sites close, bathrooms and visitor centers at national parks remain closed, food safety inspections are paused, immigration courts shut down and some rental assistance is delayed.
In the past 14 funding gaps, which have lasted at least four business days, 10 have resulted in furloughs of federal employees. A gap that lasts more than a week results in a full shutdown.
The resulting disruptions are costly to the economy and can disrupt service for Americans. They also erode the United States’ reputation abroad, both among allies and adversaries, by showing a lack of commitment to governing well.
During the most recent shutdown, when Donald Trump refused to sign an appropriations bill that included money for his border wall, the loss of pay for more than 420,000 federal workers caused real pain and hardship. However, a new funding bill was ultimately passed and the government reopened. In the future, to avoid a shutdown, Congress must ensure that its annual budget bills cover all of the nation’s important needs. Otherwise, the risk of a government shutdown is unavoidable.
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