Government shutdown looms: how would ND be impacted

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Congress has until September 30 to fund the federal government, or the first government shutdown since 2019 will begin on October 1.

A government shutdown most directly impacts federal employees and federal government services. According to congress.gov, 5,736 North Dakotans work for the federal government as of September 12, 2025; most, if not all, would be furloughed until the shutdown ended.

However, North Dakotans would continue to receive retirement and disability benefits. Medicaid and Medicare benefits should continue throughout the shutdown, but could be delayed because of a lack of federal employees.

North Dakota is also home to five federally run sites, all of which would likely close, while some states have funded national parks to keep them open throug