A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the annual appropriations bills required by law or when a temporary funding bill (called a Continuing Resolution or CR) expires. When a CR or full-year spending bill is not in effect, agencies that depend on annual appropriations run out of money and are forced to stop programs and services, except for those that protect human life and property. Typically, affected workers are furloughed and do not receive paychecks.
Each year, departments and agencies that have a high likelihood of a funding lapse prepare contingency plans. These detailed plans outline how the agency would operate during a shutdown and how many staff will remain on the job and continue to work without pay. These plans are required by the Office of Management and Budget. Even departments and agencies that are not funded by annual appropriations, such as the National Gallery of Art and the Peace Corps, must post a plan.
A government shutdown can cause delays in passport processing, a halt to food inspections, national parks closures, and long lines at airport security checkpoints. It can also affect the economy and hurt families of federal workers, who may have to go without paychecks during a shutdown. It is time for our elected leaders to put partisanship aside and focus on ensuring that our government functions effectively and efficiently. Shutdowns only tarnish the reputation of the United States on the world stage and at home, and they can be avoided by passing a simple funding bill.
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