The United States government is heading toward a partial government shutdown as a federal funding deadline expires at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, following Congress’ failure to pass the necessary appropriations bills.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed it has begun preparations for a lapse in funding. While the Senate approved a funding plan late Friday, the House has yet to vote on the measure and is not expected to reconvene until Monday, increasing the likelihood of at least a short-term shutdown.
What a Partial Shutdown Means
A partial shutdown occurs when funding for certain federal agencies runs out. In this situation:
Non-essential government employees will be placed on furlough.
Essential personnel may continue working but could face delayed pay until funding is restored.
Some government services will pause, while others operate in a limited capacity.
Agencies Likely to Be Affected
Several major departments and agencies could experience disruptions, including:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Health and Human Services
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Transportation
Department of the Treasury
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The IRS stated that because tax filing season has already begun, many employees may be temporarily classified as essential if the shutdown extends into the coming week.
Political Background
The current impasse stems from Congress’ failure to pass all 12 annual appropriations bills required to fund the federal government for the fiscal year.
The Senate’s funding plan was based on an agreement involving House Democrats and President Donald Trump concerning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Lawmakers agreed to separate DHS funding from the broader budget package to allow further negotiations, particularly around immigration enforcement policy.
Democrats have pushed for additional limits on immigration enforcement actions, citing recent incidents that have intensified debate in Washington.
What Happens Next
If lawmakers reach an agreement quickly, the shutdown could last only a few days. However, prolonged negotiations would lead to wider service disruptions and continued uncertainty for federal workers and the public.