What Happens If the Government Shuts Down? Here’s How It Could Affect You

During a shutdown, tasks considered ‘essential’ will still be carried out. But which operations come to a halt, and how does it affect public services?

A view of the U.S. Capitol Building on Sept. 23, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Congress has until Sept. 30 to pass a stopgap bill to fund the government. Failure to do so means the government will go into shutdown on Wednesday.

The White House and Republicans are currently locked in a standoff with Democrats over a stopgap bill that would fund the government through Nov. 21. Democrats have demanded several health care measures to be included in the legislation, including the extension of certain Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year. The Trump administration and Republican leadership have rejected those demands.