Government Shutdown: A Bird’s Eye View

Government
Written By Aaron Randak

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If Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill (or a short-term continuing resolution) by the end of today, parts of the federal government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2025. CBS News

Snapshot: today’s key facts

  • Health agencies: HHS’ official plan indicates about 41% of its workforce—roughly 32,460 of 79,717—would be furloughed if funding lapses. CDC and NIH would see large staff reductions; Medicare/Medicaid operations continue. HHS.gov+1

  • Defense civilians: The Pentagon’s contingency guidance points to ~334,900 civilian employees facing furloughs out of ~741,500. Uniformed military continue working. Federal News Network+1

  • Economic data: Labor and Commerce indicate releases (like weekly jobless claims and potentially the jobs report) would pause during a shutdown. Reuters

  • Social Security/Medicare: Benefit payments continue by law, though customer service may slow. CBS News

What typically stays open vs. slows down

  • Continues: Postal Service, military operations, border and air-traffic control, TSA screening, and mandatory-spending programs such as Social Security and Medicare (though service desks may be slower). CBS News

  • Pauses/slows: Many “non-essential” discretionary functions—certain research, inspections, hiring/training, and various administrative services. See agency contingency plans and OPM guidance for definitions. HHS.gov+1

Travel note (based on prior shutdown experience)

Flights continue, but staffing strains can ripple. During the 2018–2019 shutdown (35 days), TSA sick calls rose to ~10%, contributing to longer lines at some airports. That’s not a forecast—just historical context to plan buffer time. CBS News+1

How we got here—and how often this happens

A shutdown begins when annual appropriations lapse and agencies must halt non-essential functions until new funding is signed. Historically, there have been multiple lapses since the 1980s, including the record 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019. CRFB

Practical tips if a lapse occurs

  • Time-sensitive filings/travel: Build in extra time, keep receipts if delays cause costs, and watch agency updates for rescheduled services. Reuters

  • Retirees/benefits: Expect payments to continue; allow more lead time for non-urgent requests or paperwork. CBS News

  • Federal-adjacent households: If your income depends on a civilian DoD role, consider short-term cash-flow planning (e.g., contacting creditors proactively) given furlough risk. Federal News Network

  • Businesses relying on federal data: Plan around paused Labor/Commerce releases that inform hiring, pricing, or forecasting. Reuters

What could avert a shutdown

Congress can pass a continuing resolution (CR) to extend current funding while negotiations continue. As of this morning, both chambers were still working through proposals ahead of tonight’s deadline. CBS News

Sources (accessed September 30, 2025)

  • CBS News live updates on funding deadline and CR activity. CBS News

  • HHS FY2026 and FY2025 contingency plans outlining staffing during a lapse. HHS.gov+1

  • Reuters on HHS furlough percentages and agency breakdowns. Reuters

  • Federal News Network on DoD civilian furlough counts; DoD contingency PDF. Federal News Network+1

  • Reuters on paused economic data releases if funding lapses. Reuters

  • CBS News on Social Security payments continuing during a shutdown. CBS News

  • Historical TSA impact during 2018–2019 shutdown (CBS/ABC coverage). CBS News+1

  • CRFB explainer on what a shutdown is and what continues. CRFB

Disclosures & Disclaimers

Educational content only: This post provides general information and is not individualized financial, tax, or legal advice. Current as of: September 30, 2025. Policies and negotiations can change quickly; confirm the latest guidance from official sources before making decisions. Firm disclosure: Golden Acre Wealth Management is an Arizona-registered investment adviser. Advisory services are offered only to clients or prospective clients in jurisdictions where Golden Acre Wealth Management and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. See our Form ADV for details. No endorsement: References to third-party sites or agencies are for information only and are not endorsements.

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Golden Acre Wealth Management, Arizona-registered investment adviser. Educational content—not individualized advice.

Aaron Randak