The U.S. government officially shut down at midnight Wednesday after lawmakers failed to pass a short-term funding bill.
It’s the first federal funding lapse since 2019, when the government was closed for 35 days.
So what exactly does a shutdown mean, and how will it affect daily life in Chicago? Here’s a breakdown.
What Is a Government Shutdown?
A shutdown happens when Congress can’t agree on a budget plan by the start of the fiscal year (September 30). When that deadline is missed, many “non-essential” federal services pause until lawmakers pass new funding.
What Stays Open
Not everything comes to a halt. Essential services keep running, including:
- 🏥 Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
- 📬 U.S. Postal Service (mail continues as usual)
- 🛫 TSA and FAA (airport operations continue, though workers aren’t paid)
- ⚖️ Department of Justice (though some functions, like gun permit processing, are suspended)
- 🪖 Department of Defense
What Shuts Down
Other agencies close or operate with reduced staff, which can mean delays. Expect furloughs in:
- 🚀 NASA
- 🏘️ Department of Housing and Urban Development
- 🌱 Environmental Protection Agency
- 🏞️ Department of the Interior (including National Parks)
- 🍔 Food and Drug Administration
- 🎓 Department of Education
- 💉 National Institutes of Health
- 📊 Department of Labor (including the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 💵 IRS (some staff remain for tax return processing)
Why This Shutdown Is Happening
According to the Associated Press, the 2025 shutdown stems from a fight over healthcare subsidies. Democrats want to extend federal tax credits that lower insurance costs for middle- and low-income households, while Republicans oppose the measure.
How Long Could It Last?
There’s no set timeline. Senators are on break until Friday, and votes may continue into the weekend. The shutdown will last until both chambers of Congress pass a funding resolution.
Impact on Chicago
Here’s what this means locally:
- ✈️ Airports: O’Hare and Midway remain open, but TSA and FAA staff are working without pay. During the last shutdown, many agents called off work, leading to longer security lines. Expect possible delays.
- 💵 Federal Services: Social Security payments could face processing delays. Passports and other paperwork may take longer than usual.
- 📬 Mail: The Postal Service is unaffected. Chicagoans will still get letters and packages.
Bottom Line
For most Chicagoans, the shutdown won’t stop daily life, but it may mean slower services, longer airport lines, and uncertainty about how long the stalemate will last.
👉 Have you lived through a past shutdown in Chicago? Did it affect your travel, benefits, or work? Share your experience in the comments.
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