TFK Explains: Government Shutdown

October 7, 2025

TIME for Kids

A sign posted on a fence that says, “Due to the Federal Government shutdown, this facility is closed. We regret any inconvenience.” — CLOSED FOR BUSINESS On October 1, a sign outside the U.S. National Arboretum, in Washington, D.C., tells would-be visitors that the park is not open. KEVIN DIETSCH—GETTY IMAGES

On October 1, the United States government shut down. At press time, it had not reopened. Here, TFK explains.

What is a government shutdown?

Government agencies depend on funding from Congress to operate. A government shutdown happens when lawmakers are unable to pass a federal budget to fund these agencies. During a shutdown, some parts of the government close until lawmakers approve a spending plan.

Why did this government shutdown happen?

Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been unable to agree on a budget. One major sticking point has been the Affordable Care Act. This healthcare reform law was originally put in place in 2010. Tax credits included in it are set to expire soon. Democrats want to extend them. Republicans have said they will not negotiate this until a spending bill is passed.

Who is affected by the shutdown?

The Congressional Budget Office warns that as many as 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed, or temporarily laid off. Others may be required to work, some with pay and some without, until the shutdown ends.

Government employees affected include border patrol officers and transportation security officers. At the National Zoo, in Washington, D.C., animals are still being cared for, but the zoo is closed to the public. Around the country, most national parks are open. But the National Park Service has closed some facilities, such as restrooms.

President Donald Trump has said that he may fire “a lot” of federal workers if the shutdown continues. Unions representing federal workers have argued that mass layoffs during a shutdown would not be legal.

When will the shutdown end?

At press time, lawmakers have not come to an agreement. The shutdown will continue until they do.

Has this happened before?

Yes. The last shutdown began in December 2018. It lasted 35 days. A shutdown also took place earlier that year, in January. It lasted just shy of 70 hours.

In the past, affected employees have been paid for this time after a shutdown ended. But that’s not guaranteed.

Stop and Think!

WHY did TFK write this story in a question-and-answer format? How might this help a reader understand the information?