Within six hours of writing this article the American government is on track to shut down. If congress does not pass a budget bill by 12:01 am, October first we will be starting our spooky month with a very spooky event. A government shutdown. The last shutdown was the longest we have ever had in 2019. It was 35 days long and was the second shutdown in Trump’s first presidency. While in 2024, the Biden administration managed to pass a bill within mere hours of the deadline.

What does it mean when the government is shut down?

ALL non-essential functions will be stopped. This is not a clear definition as every administration has a different definition of essential. Judging by the Trump administration’s values, one can assume that things such as mail, transportation, weather reports and FEMA will keep going. Though if this drags on, there will be heavy strain as none of those workers will be paid, and will receive back pay.

The first to feel the bite of the shutdown could be people on the Women, Infants and Children food program.

Food stamps (Now known as SNAP) will still be provided but if the shutdown lasts too long, supplies will run out.

Social security will still run.

Federal workers will likely miss paychecks!

National parks are unknown if they will remain open.

While FEMA is running, the funding is low and a shutdown may cause the efforts to end,

This is the first shutdown we have had since Trump’s last presidency, if this administration is like they were beforehand, expect at least one more shutdown after this one.