Neither Side Gives Ground
'Essential' services would continue if bill not passed
By: Saman Shafiq
USA Today
..... The threat of a government shutdown has loomed over Washington as Democrats continue pushing a series of health care demands and Republicans refuse to budge.
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"If it had to shut down, it has to shut down," President Donald Trump told reporters September 26. [2025]
..... Barring a last-minute breakthrough, "nonessential" government services, such as national parks, could have ceased operation as of 12:01 ET on October 1. [2025]
..... Each fiscal year, congress appropriates funds for federal agencies to operate. If Congress does not agree on appropriations or a temporary spending bill, called a continuing resolution, the affected federal agencies must effectively shut down or stop normal spending according to the United States Office of Personnel Management. an exception is made for deemed essential, which continue to operate.
..... Over the past five decades, there have been 21 federal shutdowns, many of which lasted only a day or two. One of the most recent shutdowns was also the longest, lasting 34 days between December 2018 and January 2019, during Trump's first term in office, due to a stalemate between the president and Congress over border security.
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During a government shutdown, "essential" services such as the U.S. Postal Service will continue to operate.
..... But all federal agencies and services that officials do not deem "essential" must stop working. This affects thousands of federal employees and millions of Americans.
* Military: all active-duty U.S. military personnel stay on the job, but nearly half of the 741,477 civilian employees in the Department of War, formally the Department of Defense, could face furloughs, according to a contingency plan released by the department.
* Law enforcement: Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Drug enforcement Administration and prison staff will remain operational. The Secret Service and Coast Guard will continue their duties.
* National Parks: National parks, monuments and other sites will close to the public, with park rangers furloughed. Some states may temporarily fund park operations but with fewer services, like trash pickup.
* Benefit programs: Both retirement and disability benefits proceed without interruptions. Medicare and Medicaid benefits also continue, but some delays could be seen. Similar to Social Security, veterans continue to receive their benefits and medical care. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will also continue, though there could be minor disruptions.
* Homeland Security: Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents will continue working. However, local governments will not receive new aid for migrant shelters.
* Transportation: Airport security screener and air traffic controllers will remain on duty, but new hires and some major infrastructure projects could face delay. Absenteeism, as seen in previous shutdowns, might impact airport operations.
..... Contributing: Reuters; Terry Moseley, Eric Lagatta, Fernando Cervantes Jr. Bart Jansen and Zac Anderson, USA Today