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A government shutdown is looming, which could impact air travel, Social Security, SNAP, VA benefits, and other essential services.
On Tuesday (September 30), federal funding is set to expire, triggering a government shutdown unless Congress passes a last-minute funding measure. Lawmakers must either approve all 12 full-year spending bills or pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running.
If no resolution is reached, the government will shut down on Wednesday (October 1), halting nonessential operations and disrupting services nationwide.
The possible government shutdown would bring disruptions to flights. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are considered essential and will work without pay, but staffing shortages could cause delays. Some Federal Aviation Administration functions, such as aircraft inspections and certifications, may also be delayed.
Social Security checks and SNAP benefits will continue, as they are funded through mandatory spending. However, services tied to these programs, such as new enrollments or card replacements, could be delayed or suspended. Veterans Affairs (VA) payments, including disability, pension, education, and housing benefits, won’t be interrupted. However, services like career counseling, transition programs, and public outreach will pause under a possible government shutdown.
Efforts to avert a shutdown remain stalled in Congress. Last week, House Republicans passed a short-term funding bill with one Democratic vote, but Senate Democrats rejected the measure, citing steep cuts to Medicaid included in the July package pushed by President Donald Trump.
Tensions escalated further when Trump canceled a scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, calling their demands “unserious and ridiculous.”
“I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” Trump said.
Schumer fired back on X, accusing Trump of steering the country toward a shutdown.
“By refusing to meet with us, Trump is barreling America toward a government shutdown. He’s not being president. And he’s not up to the job.”
We’ve demanded Republicans sit down and talk with us for two months—but Donald Trump said to ignore the Democrats.
By refusing to meet with us, Trump is barreling America toward a government shutdown.
He’s not being president. And he’s not up to the job. pic.twitter.com/4mgUSXMmmn
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 24, 2025
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