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The United States federal government entered a shutdown on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Depending on the source, the shutdown lasted either 42 or 43 days, ending after legislation was passed by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and subsequently signed into law by the President.

President Trump signed the legislation on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, officially ending the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

However, the legislation signed on November 12, 2025, only provides temporary funding. Lawmakers will face renewed challenges in early 2026, as another potential shutdown looms if an agreement is not reached by Saturday, January 31, 2026 12:59:59 am ET.

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What government agencies is open and closed in the government shutdown?
The United States has three levels of government: federal, state, and local. During a federal government shutdown, state and local governments do not shut down, because the shutdown only impacts the federal level. However, state and local governments may still be affected in certain ways—such as delays or interruptions in federal funding, grants, or subsidies for programs.

With the federal government shut down, will it still affect the United States Postal Service (USPS)?
Nope. You’ll still be able to get all that wonderful junk mail in your mailbox. USPS is funded by its own revenue (purchasing stamps, shipping packages, sending letters, PO boxes, etc.). They do not rely on regular federal tax funding. They could be slightly affected if they receive any limited federal subsidies, but in the grand scheme of things, no—they will continue operating.

With the federal government shut down, will I still be able to visit the parks?
Maybe. It depends on who owns the park.
* If the park is a municipal (city) park like Newport News Park, then yes, it will stay open because it is owned and operated by the city and is not impacted by the federal shutdown.
* The same applies to state parks—they are usually open.
However, federally owned parks (National Parks, National Forests, etc.) are likely to close or have limited access, unless they are able to operate using collected fees similar to how USPS funds itself.

What about museums?
Maybe. Again, it depends on ownership.
* If the museum is privately owned/operated, city-owned, or state-owned, then no, it will not be affected and will remain open.
* If the museum is federally owned/operated (like the Smithsonian), then yes, it will close during the shutdown.

What about essential services like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)? Are they closing up shop?
Nope. Services considered “essential for public safety or national security” will continue to operate as normal. Essential employees are still required to report for duty, but they will not receive a paycheck until the government reopens. Anyone not considered essential will be told not to report for duty (furloughed) and will also not receive a paycheck until the shutdown ends.