Many federal workers across the U.S. are not receiving their pay due to a government shutdown, leading to increased reliance on food banks and short-term loans, while some essential personnel continue to be paid through alternative funding sources, highlighting the economic strain and community impact of the shutdown.
If Congress fails to pass funding legislation by October 1, a government shutdown will occur, affecting the U.S. military. While service members will continue to report for duty without pay, many Department of Defense civilians will likely be furloughed. Base services, elective surgeries, and certain Pentagon activities would be limited or postponed. Defense officials warn that a shutdown would harm national security, particularly in managing contracts for maintenance and procurement. Congress could guarantee military pay, as it has done in previous shutdowns, but the impact on morale and welfare for military families would still be significant.