Shutdown of federal government looms Oct. 1; What happens if funding lapses

WASHINGTON -- If President Donald Trump can’t reach a deal with congressional leaders from both parties to fund the federal government by 12:01 a.m. on October 1, a shutdown will commence.

That’s the point where in the absence of a signed budget bill, the federal government can no longer spend money to operate as usual.

When a shutdown occurs, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed — placed on unpaid leave. Other workers deemed “essential” will continue working without pay until Congress restores funding.

Government offices close, national parks may become inaccessible or unstaffed, and many federal services halt.

While furloughed workers have historically received back pay once shutdowns end, the disruption affects everything from passport processing to food safety