The government shutdown is expected to happen when funding expires at midnight on September 30, 2025, effectively starting a shutdown on October 1, 2025, if Congress does not pass a funding bill or a continuing resolution before then. Congress currently has not passed any of the twelve full-year appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026, making a shutdown likely unless a stopgap funding measure is enacted. The shutdown would halt non-essential discretionary government services until funding is restored by legislation. The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for possible mass layoffs and workforce reductions beyond the typical furloughs seen in prior shutdowns, signaling the seriousness of the funding deadlock. This preparation comes amid political conflict, with the President and one party controlling Congress, while negotiations with the opposing party remain stalled. Essential services, such as airports and military installations, would remain operational, but many federal employees could be furloughed or laid off, and various public services could face interruptions.