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What happens in a US government shutdown?

A U.S. government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass or the President does not sign appropriations bills needed to fund government operations and agencies before the fiscal year ends on September 30. During a shutdown, non-essential federal government operations cease, leading to the furlough of many federal employees, while essential services like national security, law enforcement, and postal services continue. Essential employees, including military personnel, work without immediate pay, though they are compensated retroactively once funding is restored. National parks might close, and various public services could be disrupted. The economic impact includes delayed payments to government contractors, potential dips in consumer confidence, and broader economic effects. Historically, shutdowns have varied in length, with significant ones occurring in 1995-1996, 2013, and a record 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019. Each shutdown has its unique political context, often involving disputes over budget priorities, spending levels, or policy riders.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/what-happens-in-a-us-government-shutdown/ar-AA1wbmlu ]