The United States government has officially entered a shutdown following the failure of Congress to pass a continuing resolution or comprehensive funding bill before the midnight deadline. As a result, a significant portion of federal agencies have suspended operations, impacting millions of Americans who rely on various government services. While some agencies and services continue to operate under emergency or mandatory funding, many other functions are temporarily halted. This shutdown not only disrupts daily government activities but also raises questions about the continuity of essential services such as Social Security, IRS operations, national defense, and transportation security. Below is a detailed agency-by-agency breakdown of what remains operational and what has been affected, providing clarity on the scope and implications of this federal shutdown.

Agency Operations Amid the Shutdown

Essential Services and Agencies Continuing Operations

• Military and Defense: The Department of Defense maintains operational status for active-duty military personnel and defense-related functions deemed critical for national security.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA agents continue screening passengers at airports, ensuring security in air travel remains unaffected despite the shutdown.
• Social Security Administration (SSA): Most Social Security payments are still processed and distributed, as these are funded through mandatory spending provisions, although some administrative functions face delays.
• Veterans Affairs (VA): Many VA hospitals and clinics remain open to provide urgent medical care, although some administrative services experience delays.
• Federal Law Enforcement: Agencies such as the FBI and DEA continue operations for ongoing investigations and national security concerns.

Agencies and Services Temporarily Halted or Significantly Reduced

Impact on Critical Services and Public Assistance Programs

Social Security and Medicare

Despite the shutdown, Social Security payments are generally protected due to their mandatory funding, ensuring that recipients continue to receive benefits without interruption. However, some administrative processes, such as new claims processing or customer service inquiries, may experience delays. Similarly, Medicare beneficiaries will not see immediate disruptions, although some support services and administrative functions could be impacted if the shutdown persists.

Tax Collection and IRS Functionality

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operates at reduced capacity, affecting tax processing, refunds, and taxpayer assistance. Many of these functions are postponed until Congress reaches an agreement, potentially delaying refunds and complicating ongoing tax compliance efforts during the filing season. The IRS has indicated that taxpayers should still file returns, but processing times may be extended.

Defense and National Security

Operations within the Department of Defense largely continue, especially those related to national security, military readiness, and ongoing operations. Civilian personnel involved in administrative tasks are furloughed, but active-duty military personnel remain on duty. The continuity of defense activities underscores the government’s prioritization of security concerns even amid funding disputes.

Transportation Security and Public Safety

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) remains fully operational, with security screenings at airports continuing as usual. This ensures that air travel disruptions are minimized, though some travel-related delays could occur due to staffing constraints elsewhere in the transportation infrastructure.

Broader Economic and Public Reaction

The shutdown has immediate economic repercussions, including furloughs for thousands of federal employees and delays in government payments and services. Stock markets tend to react negatively to prolonged uncertainty, and small businesses that rely on federal permits or loans may face setbacks. Lawmakers face mounting pressure to reach an agreement swiftly to restore full government operations and mitigate ongoing disruptions.

For ongoing updates and guidance, citizens are encouraged to consult official sources such as the Congressional Research Service and the USA.gov portal. As negotiations continue, the scope and duration of the shutdown will influence the resumption of normal government activities and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What agencies are affected by the government shutdown and which continue to operate?

The government shutdown affects numerous agencies, with some like the Social Security and TSA continuing operations, while others such as certain parts of the IRS and Defense may experience partial closures or limited staffing.

Will Social Security benefits be affected during the shutdown?

No, Social Security benefits will continue to be paid as usual during the government shutdown, since the program is considered an essential service with funding secured separately from the appropriations process.

How does the shutdown impact the IRS and tax-related services?

During the government shutdown, most IRS offices close, and services such as processing tax returns and customer support are limited or unavailable, potentially delaying refunds and assistance.

Are defense operations and military personnel affected by the shutdown?

Some defense activities and personnel may continue operations, particularly those deemed essential for national security, but non-essential functions and civilian employees could face furloughs or disruptions.

What safety and security services are still operational during the shutdown?

Critical TSA screening at airports and other security operations continue to function to ensure public safety, as they are considered essential services, even during a government shutdown.