If the government shuts down, many federal services and operations are either closed or severely limited. Federal employees classified as non-essential are furloughed (temporarily laid off without pay), while essential workers like law enforcement and air traffic controllers continue working but may face delayed pay. Key disruptions include delays in passport and visa processing, closure of national parks, suspension of many food safety inspections, delayed federal housing loans, and potential interruptions in food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. Despite the shutdown, programs like Social Security and Medicare continue because their funding is mandatory and not subject to annual appropriations. The shutdown also causes delays and inconveniences for businesses and individuals relying on government services, and can impact the economy significantly. Additionally, under the current President Donald Trump's administration, there is an unusual preparation for possible mass layoffs if the shutdown persists—making this shutdown potentially more severe than previous ones. Agencies are tasked with drafting plans for permanent job cuts in areas targeted for reductions. This increases the stakes for federal employees and policy negotiations in Congress. Shutdowns usually end when Congress passes, and the President signs, new funding legislation, allowing government operations to resume and furloughed employees to receive back pay. The shutdown affects roughly 25% of federal spending which requires annual congressional approval, while mandatory spending programs continue operating.