As the clock ticks down to a potential US government shutdown, Americans are left wondering what will happen next. The deadline is September 30, 2025, just one week away from today. This could be the 15th partial shutdown since 1981. But there’s a big twist this time: The Trump administration has not shared its plans on how the government will keep running or stop. This lack of info is causing worry for workers, families, and businesses across the country.
In Washington, D.C., the famous US Capitol building stands as a symbol of power. Yet, right now, it feels like a place of silence on this key issue. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) asked all federal agencies to update their shutdown plans earlier this year. These plans spell out which jobs will go on—like air traffic control and police work—and which will pause, like many roles at financial watchdogs.
In past shutdowns, these details were shared weeks ahead. People could see who would get paid later and who would sit at home without a paycheck. But as of September 23, 2025, the White House website page for these plans is empty. No updates for Congress. No word to the public. When reporters asked the White House and OMB if plans would come out soon or if they differ from before, there was no reply.
Experts say this secrecy adds to the stress. “Shutdowns create a tremendous amount of uncertainty for federal workers and local economies,” said Rachel Snyderman. She leads economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center and worked at OMB in past governments. These plans help everyone know who shows up to work—paid or not—and who gets furloughed, meaning sent home without pay.
Snyderman added, “There is no substitute for how the government would operate in a shutdown without the visibility that these plans provide.” Without them, it’s like flying blind. Federal workers from coast to coast are on edge, not knowing if they’ll have steady income soon.
Why the Funding Fight Is Stuck
The root of this mess is money. Congress must pass a budget to keep the lights on. Last week, the Republican-led House of Representatives approved a short-term bill. It would stretch funding until November 21, 2025. But the bill died in the Senate. Republicans, who control 53 of 100 seats there, point fingers at Democrats. They say Dems are blocking it because they don’t like President Trump’s ideas.
Democrats fire back that the bill skips big problems, like healthcare costs. They want those fixed now, not later. Both the House and Senate are on break this whole week. The Senate won’t return until September 29—too late to fix things before the deadline. This delay means no easy fix in sight.
Shutdowns hit “discretionary spending,” the flexible part of the budget for things like parks and research. They don’t touch “mandatory” programs, which make up about three-quarters of the $7 trillion federal budget. That includes Social Security checks, Medicare for seniors, and debt interest payments. So, most Americans won’t lose those basics. But for the 2 million federal workers and contractors, it’s a different story. Furloughs could mean lost wages right when holiday spending starts.
Calls Grow for Transparency on Shutdown Plans
Lawmakers are demanding answers. Senator Gary Peters from Michigan leads Democrats on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. That group watches over shutdowns. In a strong statement, Peters said, “With the threat of a possible government shutdown looming, the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget must immediately release these updated contingency plans.”
He warned, “Without them, Congress and the public are completely in the dark about how the Administration would comply with the law while continuing to carry out critical national security functions.” The law in question is the Antideficiency Act from 1884. It bans spending without Congress’s okay. Shutdown plans show how the executive branch—the president and agencies—will follow this rule.
Usually, OMB warns agencies about a shutdown a week out. They share tips on laws and next steps. But not this time. The Trump team has shaken up the government big time. This year, about 300,000 federal workers left through firings, cuts, and buyouts, per the Partnership for Public Service. That’s a nonprofit tracking job trends.
OMB’s boss, Russ Vought, even questioned the old ways. In July 2025, he said publicly that funding talks should be “less bipartisan.” The Constitution gives Congress the “power of the purse.” They control the cash. Vought’s words rattled negotiators on Capitol Hill.
Agencies have some freedom in shutdowns. They can keep staff if jobs “protect life and property,” like firefighters or border guards. Joe Carlile, a former top Democratic budget expert, isn’t shocked by the quiet. “The parameters of what’s in bounds is pretty well settled,” he said. But he added, “I would not be surprised if there was an attempt to try to test those bounds as that would be consistent with what we’ve seen from this administration related to appropriations.”
Three Senate aides shared mixed news. Some agencies sent plans to OMB, and they look like old ones. Others? Total silence.
Lessons from the Last Trump Shutdown
This isn’t new for Trump. His first term ended 2018 with a 34-day shutdown—the longest ever. It started December 22 and dragged into January 2019. That fight was over border wall money. Back then, some spending choices broke the law, said the Government Accountability Office. That’s a neutral watchdog paid by Congress. For example, cash for National Parks and food aid at the Agriculture Department went against rules.
That shutdown cost billions and hurt families. Workers missed paychecks. Parks closed. Now, with midterm elections nearing, another one could fire up voters. Republicans hope to keep Congress. Democrats see a chance to flip seats by blaming Trump.
Economists warn of ripple effects. Shutdowns slow growth. Small towns near bases or labs feel the pinch first. If it lasts weeks, like last time, stores lose shoppers. Airlines face delays. The whole economy stutters.
What Happens If It Shuts Down?
If funding lapses on October 1, here’s a quick look at likely impacts:
- Federal Workers: Up to 800,000 could be furloughed without pay. Others work unpaid, get backpay later.
- Travel and Safety: Airports and borders stay open, but with skeleton crews. Expect longer lines.
- Parks and Museums: Many close. No tours at the Smithsonian.
- Loans and Aid: New Small Business loans stop. Food stamps delay for some.
- Research: Science grants pause. Universities scramble.
Mandatory stuff rolls on, but the gaps hurt. Snyderman notes local economies tank when workers tighten belts.
President Trump has downplayed shutdowns before, calling them “beautiful” in fights over his wall. But polls show most Americans hate them. A recent survey found 60% blame Congress, but 40% point to the White House.
As September 29 nears, pressure builds. Will the Senate vote? Will plans drop? For now, the Trump team stays mum. This silence fuels fears of chaos. In a divided Washington, unity seems far off. Families brace for uncertainty, hoping cooler heads prevail before the deadline hits.
