A government shutdown could occur within days, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers and delaying services. Economists warn that the financial impact will depend on the length of the disruption, with each week costing the US economy about $7 billion.
Government shutdowns have happened 14 times since 1980, with some lasting over 34 days. Without congressional approval for new spending, federal agencies will suspend activities and furlough hundreds of thousands of employees.
While Social Security benefits and health care payments for seniors in Medicare and Medicaid will continue uninterrupted, other services may be impacted. Essential workers like air traffic controllers and TSA agents would receive pay only when a new funding bill is passed.
A shutdown could also undermine confidence in the economy, causing delays in mortgage processing and suspension of services like FDA inspections and National Parks’ entry. Economists stress that uncertainty and disruption are not what the economy needs right now.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-shutdown-september-2025-economic-impact-social-security-tsa