Summary
The U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, affects the daily lives of millions by pausing pay for federal workers and slowing down government services. Essential services like Social Security and the U.S. Postal Service continue to operate, but many federal employees must work without pay and receive back pay after funding resumes.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown started on October 1 when Congress missed the funding approval deadline.
- Many federal employees won't get paid, but they will receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
- Federal tasks considered essential, like Social Security payments, continue during the shutdown.
- Air traffic controllers and TSA workers still work without pay, possibly causing travel delays.
- Congressional members still receive pay during a shutdown due to constitutional protections.
- The U.S. Postal Service operates normally because it does not rely on taxpayer funding.
- The longest U.S. government shutdown lasted 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019.
- Federal workers protested, urging Democrats to stand firm on funding issues even if it risks jobs.
