Shutdown Shakes States

Lyla Kelly, copy editor

On Sept. 30, the U.S. government stopped nearly all of its activity, closing federal offices and departments. Due to a lack of consensus in Congress, there's a likely chance that federal employees will lose their jobs, services will lull to a pause and activities of citizens may be impacted. 

The shutdown occurred on account of disagreement regarding the federal funding bill going into October. The Republican party control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but because of a vote shortage in the Senate, the Democratic party gained some negotiation power, according to BBC News. Democrats wish to reduce tax credits – which is the amount of money that taxpayers can subtract directly from the money that they owe – to lessen the cost of health insurance and reverse the changes that President Donald Trump has made to the Medicaid program. Due to these disagreements, on Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government closed its activities. 

While some departments of the government will stop, there are many that will not. Some departments that will feel the effects while continuing to work include the Department of State, the Department of Health, the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce, according to CBS News. Yet, these employees will go without pay for the period that the shutdown lasts. Border protection, law enforcement and in-hospital medical workers are expected to continue as usual. However, airports and national parks are the most notable departments to be paused and affected. National parks closed and asked visitors to stay at home; without employees caring for the parks, the presence of visitors could lead to harm and defacement. Airports have stayed open, but their operations have slowed. Lines have lengthened with fewer Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) workers on the premises. In addition to longer security lines and delays, the processing of travel documents could also decrease. 

Regarding the Department of Education (DOE), most of its activities will continue, with some limited effects, considering the states’ authority over education. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), existing grants and other student aid programs will be affected minimally. However, more will be felt within the boundaries of establishment of new grants, regulatory actions and reduction of staffing. Approximately 87 percent of the department’s staffing was dismissed. As a result, administrative tasks could be delayed, funding may become uncertain and states will have to rely on local programs rather than federal. 

The government shutdown that began in December 2018 was also caused by Congress failing to pass fiscal legislation for the upcoming federal fiscal year. Additionally, partisan feelings and differences grew during that shutdown, which reflects the current political atmosphere during the closing of government offices. This year, due to differing views and opinions on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the two parties have not come to a conclusion or agreement on the funding bill, according to NPR. 

While American citizens’ everyday lives may not be heavily impacted, administrative and legal tasks could be inconvenienced, such as disrupted food inspections, business loans, processing for documents and care for government buildings. Tax payments will not be affected, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and social security benefits will continue to be paid. Yet, as the shutdown continues, further effects and impacts will continue to reveal themselves. This information could change as of this date.