Federal Shutdown Halts Agencies, Impacts 750,000 Workers, 42 Million SNAP Recipients

The ongoing federal government shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history, has led to significant disruptions both within government operations and the private sector, with an estimated 750,000 federal employees furloughed and many working without pay. Key federal agencies that regulate employment, such as the EEOC, Department of Labor, and National Labor Relations Board, have largely ceased operations, causing delays in legal and regulatory proceedings and leaving employers uncertain about compliance deadlines. Additionally, the shutdown's impact extends beyond government workers to millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP food benefits, which are set to be halted due to funding lapses, intensifying pressure on Congress to resolve the impasse. Private businesses reliant on federal contracts are facing delayed payments and project disruptions, potentially leading to layoffs and financial strain. The wider economic fallout also affects those dependent on federal workers' spending, including tourism-related sectors, which do not receive back pay, exacerbating financial difficulties for many. Overall, the shutdown's effects are expected to linger well into 2026, as government agencies work to clear backlogs and restore normal functions.