What is a government shutdown and how will it impact student loans, FAFSA and the US Education Department

Plunged into a government shutdown, the US is facing a new period of uncertainty after Congress and President Donald Trump failed to reach an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Much of the federal government has shut down following a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans proposed extending funding at current levels until November 21 to allow more time for full-year appropriations bills. Democrats offered to keep the government open through October but attached health care provisions and restrictions on the president’s ability to withhold funds, which most Republicans rejected. Beyond the political standoff, the government shutdown raises urgent questions about the impact on essential services, from federal employee paych