Congress hit another funding stalemate in 2025 after Senate proposals to keep the government open collapsed earlier this week. As a result, the U.S. federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, marking roughly the 21st federal funding lapse in modern U.S. history. From delayed paychecks to shuttered agencies and strained public programs, the fallout is expected to ripple nationwide.

Past shutdowns have forced agencies to furlough workers, delay services, and scramble to prioritize only mission-critical functions. Now, with spending legislation again stalled, federal workers, public services, and national programs are all at risk — here’s what you need to know.

Why Did the Government Shutdown in 2025?

The federal shutdown began when Congress missed the October 1

See Full Page