A U.S. government shutdown occurs when Congress and the President fail to pass appropriations legislation funding government operations and agencies. If no agreement can be reached before the beginning of the next fiscal year, a shutdown can ensue.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Budget Process: Every year, the U.S. Congress is responsible for crafting and passing a series of appropriations bills to fund the government for the next fiscal year. The fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends on September 30.
Disagreements: A shutdown happens when Congress doesn't pass these appropriations bills by the deadline or when the President refuses to sign them into law. This can be due to disagreements over budgetary amounts, or sometimes because of unrelated policy issues.
Effects: During a shutdown, federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential functions until new funding legislation is passed. This can lead to the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Essential services, such as those related to public safety, continue operating. The specifics of what is deemed "essential" can vary based on the agency and the nature of the shutdown.
Past Shutdowns: There have been several government shutdowns in U.S. history, with varying lengths and impacts. Common reasons for shutdowns have included disagreements over spending levels, healthcare policies, immigration policies, and more.
Ending a Shutdown: Shutdowns end when Congress and the President agree on a funding bill, which can either be a short-term continuing resolution or a longer-term appropriations bill. Employees who were furloughed typically receive back pay for the time they were not working.
It's worth noting that while the term "shutdown" suggests a complete cessation of government functions, in reality, a significant portion of the government, particularly "essential" functions, continues to operate. However, the economic, political, and social impacts of even a partial government shutdown can be substantial.
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