Government shutdown in the United States

Legal and procedural basis

Shutdowns result from the interaction of the congressional appropriations process and statutes that prohibit outlays without an appropriation. Agencies follow guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Justice Department to determine which activities may continue. When funding lapses, federal managers implement contingency plans and notify employees about furloughs, delayed pay, and excepted duties. For an introduction to the budget process, see federal budget basics.

What continues and what stops

Activities that protect life and property—such as many law enforcement and military missions, air traffic control, and emergency response—are typically maintained. Programs funded by mandatory or permanent appropriations may also continue. By contrast, many discretionary services are interrupted: permit processing, research projects, and visitor services at public lands are common examples. For how agencies classify duties, consult official guidance.

Consequences and examples

Shutdowns can impose administrative and economic costs. Federal employees may be furloughed or required to work without immediate pay; contractors and businesses that serve the government can suffer cash‑flow problems. Public-facing impacts often include closed national parks, delayed federal applications, and slowed regulatory actions. Typical repercussions are listed below:

• Furloughs of civilian staff and delayed payroll until funding is approved.
• Reduced availability of non‑emergency services and customer assistance.
• Economic ripple effects for local businesses and contractors.
• Disruption to research, grants, and scheduled inspections.

Analyses and case studies of past shutdowns can be found at policy archives.

History and notable shutdowns

While funding gaps have occurred periodically throughout U.S. history, the modern practice of ordering furloughs and limiting activities developed through legal interpretations and administrative rules in the late 20th century. Several multi‑day shutdowns have drawn national attention; one of the longest recent lapses lasted 35 days in late 2018–early 2019. For timelines and comparisons, see historical summaries and chronologies of past shutdowns.

Ending a shutdown requires Congress to pass—and the president to sign—a new appropriations measure or temporary funding resolution. Because shutdowns arise from political disputes over spending and policy priorities, they are often the focus of negotiation, litigation, and public debate until a funding agreement is reached.