What really happens when a government shuts down? At 12:01 a.m. on October 1st 2025, the U.S. Government officially shut down. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for federal operations, forcing a temporary halt of non-vital operations. In order to fund government agencies and programs, Congress must pass appropriated bills that are then passed and signed into law by the President. If this process is not completed by October 1st, the start of the fiscal…