On Oct. 1, 2025, the United States government entered a shutdown.

Since the country’s founding, Congress has been tasked with balancing the country’s budget, taking into account the money coming into the government, the bills the government has and the expenses that need to be paid. They are also responsible for where and how tax revenue is spent. The government shutdown is due to Congress being unable to pass appropriations bills, which are bills that Congress passes to provide money for government departments, agencies and programs.

Our elected officials currently can not agree on this issue. The Senate needs 60 votes to pass the bill, but there were only 51 votes after the Senate’s 10th vote, which occurred on Oct. 16, 2025. 

The shutdown has affected many people, but efforts are happening to negate some of those effects. On Oct. 15, President Trump used funds from the Research and Development Department to pay military employees. Also, programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which helps provide nutrition for infants and young children, are being funded through funds from the previous fiscal year and tariffs.

Many students are wondering if the government shutdown will affect them. That will depend on how long it continues. The longer the government stays inactive, the worse things can get. Federal Student Aid, loan service and loan repayment will not be affected in the short term. However, delays can occur if it takes longer to pass the Federal Budget. There could be delays with financial aid and student loan forgiveness. There could also be pauses on grants, and students could be let go from work-study jobs. Common services that assist with education could be halted. 

Once Congress reaches a final decision on the United States Federal budget, the government will be open and running, and things will go back to normal.