The federal government functions based on short term budgets determined by Congress. When a budget cycle is ending, another is proposed. On occasion, if the legislators cannot agree on a new budget, the existing bill can be extended for a short period of time. 

The current budget ended Sept. 30, but congressional Republicans did not meet the healthcare terms requested by the Democrats for the new budget. Because of this, Democrats refused to vote on it.

At midnight, when the previous budget ended, the parties still had not come to agreement for the funding, which meant that funding could not be distributed to federal departments. This lack of funding indicates a shutdown because the government does not function without the set budget.

Each department has an individual protocol for when a shutdown occurs. Most agencies have plans to use prior funding or have constitutional protections that allow them to continue as usual. When money runs out, however, officials will have to reevaluate. 

Some employees get furlough during the shutdown, which is a short leave of absence granted due to an economic shortage. Others will not be paid at all. 

“Essential government employees,” which is a term that can apply to hundreds of thousands, will report to work without pay. These may include workers that are expressed authorized and implied necessary, workers that are crucial to the president’s actions and workers essential to protecting life and property. 

The White House Budget Office has also threatened mass layoffs, but has not yet followed through. Federal unions are claiming that this action would be unconstitutional and are urging Congress to pass a budget.

The Senate is expected to reconvene today to look at two different versions of the budget bill – one with the Democrats demands, one without. 

This is a developing story. 

Ari Collins is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].