Why the federal government can’t spend money during a shutdown

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Treasury continues to collect tax revenue during the government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, and surpassed the previous record of 35 days on November 5.

Yet critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are operating on limited emergency funds rather than regular appropriations, leaving millions of Americans wondering: If the money is there, why can’t the government spend it?

The answer lies in a fundamental constitutional requirement and federal law that prohibits spending without explicit congressional authorization.

“In the absence of an appropriations bill, the government can’t spend money, because it isn’t allowed to do so,” said Eric Chaffee, the John C. Hutchins Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University.