US Government Shutdown Sparks Major Disruptions

The United States has entered a partial government shutdown after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, forcing hundreds of thousands of federal employees into furlough while many “essential” workers continue without pay.

Key services such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain operational, though staff cuts will slow certain functions. Air travel also continues, with TSA staff and air traffic controllers on duty but unpaid. Meanwhile, federal courts can function until October 17, after which they may face cutbacks.

Food aid programs like SNAP and WIC are operating temporarily, while the US Postal Service is unaffected. However, the Small Business Administration has furloughed nearly a quarter of its staff, suspending new loan approvals.

The shutdown is also delaying the release of critical economic data such as jobs and GDP reports, raising concerns about market impacts. Military personnel and federal law enforcement remain active but will not be paid until the deadlock ends.

Unless lawmakers resolve the standoff soon, the crisis could deepen. The last major shutdown under President Trump in 2018 lasted 35 days, costing billions to the US economy.