--- title: How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown? description: Republicans face a March 14 deadline to keep the government funded, and are facing pressure to do so without any support from Democrats. canonical: https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/ author: Nik Popli article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2025-03-06T21:59:07.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-03-10T23:25:00.879Z article:section: Politics og:title: How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown? og:description: Republicans face a March 14 deadline to keep the government funded, and are facing pressure to do so without any support from Democrats. og:url: https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt24e13aecc752ce91/6998c4b07323af5ee32bc504/GettyImages-2202806099_e51c49.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 8192 og:image:height: 4608 og:image:alt: Donald Trump Delivers Joint Address To Congress og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown? twitter:description: Republicans face a March 14 deadline to keep the government funded, and are facing pressure to do so without any support from Democrats. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt24e13aecc752ce91/6998c4b07323af5ee32bc504/GettyImages-2202806099_e51c49.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown? > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=c8202ea3-e242-4cff-8ca6-27b68d96e855&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### The seven newsletters | Newsletter | Covers | Frequency | | --- | --- | --- | | The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily | | Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) | | Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays | | Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly | | D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week | | Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) | | In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) | Source: TIME, August 2026. ### Key data points | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 | | Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 | | Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 | | US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Publishing since | 1923 | TIME | ### TIME Newsletters: key statements * Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically. * TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read. * All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=c8202ea3-e242-4cff-8ca6-27b68d96e855&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). * The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself. * A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=c8202ea3-e242-4cff-8ca6-27b68d96e855&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### FAQ #### What newsletters does TIME publish? TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers. #### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to? It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters. #### Are TIME's newsletters free? Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent. #### Who writes TIME's newsletters? TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=c8202ea3-e242-4cff-8ca6-27b68d96e855&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1)  by [Nik Popli](https://time.com/author/nik-popli/)  ## Nik Popli Staff Writer Mar 6, 2025 9:59 PM UTC  U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrives to President Trump's joint address to Congress on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrives to President Trump's joint address to Congress on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tierney L. Cross–Getty Images  by [Nik Popli](https://time.com/author/nik-popli/)  ## Nik Popli Staff Writer Mar 6, 2025 9:59 PM UTC The U.S. government is set to shut down next weekend unless Congress manages to strike a last-minute agreement to pass a funding bill before the March 14 deadline. The uncertain situation has left many Americans anxiously wondering how a potential government shutdown would impact them. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve new spending for federal agencies. The current spending law, which former President Joe Biden signed in December, expires on March 14. During a shutdown, the government can only spend money on essential services, such as those related to law enforcement and public safety. That means hundreds of thousands of federal workers won’t receive a timely paycheck, while others will be furloughed, which could inflict severe financial hardships on some American families at a time when many are still struggling with elevated prices due to inflation and uncertainty over the Trump administration's ongoing workforce cuts. The last government shutdown occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term, in December 2018\. It lasted for 34 days, the longest government shutdown in the modern era. More recently, looming shutdowns have been averted at the last minute, with lawmakers scrambling to reach a temporary agreement to keep the government running. But the razor-thin Republican majority, along with tension over recent federal funding cuts from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, makes this situation particularly volatile. Here’s what to know about the prospects of a shutdown and what the impact of one would be. ## What's going on with the negotiations in Congress? Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress. As of Thursday, House Republicans are pursuing a stopgap measure—known as a continuing resolution, or CR—to keep the government funded through the end of September at current levels, a plan that has Trump’s backing. On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged that some GOP lawmakers have "hesitation" over backing the six-month extension. "I think once people understand the necessity of it, I think they'll get on board and we'll pass it," he told reporters. A group of House Republicans met with Trump at the White House on Wednesday, as party leaders look to get members on board. Republicans are facing pressure to pass the CR without support from Democrats—no easy task in either chamber. In the House, Republicans have a razor-thin majority, and are not expected to draw the support of all their members. To avoid previous shutdowns, both House Speaker Mike Johnson and his predecessor Kevin McCarthy relied on votes from Democrats. In the Senate, Republicans have 53 seats, but need 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and pass the bill. ## What role are Democrats playing in the negotiations? Top Democrats in Congress remain sharply opposed to the six-month funding extension as Trump and Musk continue to undermine Congress’ authority by unilaterally slashing government programs. Some Democrats doubt Trump will even abide by the next spending bill, making them even less inclined to vote for it. Yet Republicans are signaling they will blame Democrats if a shutdown happens. Some Democrats fear that the public might agree with them—an outcome that would not only hurt them politically, but potentially spur Musk to further slash funding from federal agencies Johnson told [NBC’s Meet the Press](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/speaker-johnson-zelenskyy-resign-fiery-oval-office-meeting-rcna194385) on Sunday that “Democrats have to help negotiate this” and that “they’ve, to this point, shown no interest in finding a reasonable solution for that.” He added that House Republicans are looking to “freeze funding at current levels, to make sure that the government can stay open while we begin to incorporate all these savings that we're finding through the DOGE effort and these other sources of revenue that President Trump's policies are bringing to the table." Democrats stress that the onus is on the party with the majority to keep the government funded. “House Republicans are marching the country towards a government shutdown that was started by Elon Musk,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Tuesday. ## **How would a government shutdown impact Americans?** Here are some of the ways a government shutdown would immediately impact Americans: ### Federal employees and military personnel If the government shuts down, tens of thousands of federal employees would be furloughed and sent home without pay. Those who are deemed essential workers, such as employees in public safety and national security, would report to work without pay. Once federal funding resumes, the government is required by law to repay federal employees and military personnel. Federal contractors would not be compensated for missed time. Each federal agency decides which services and employees are essential, which typically includes law enforcement officers, national security agents, active duty military personnel, and federal prison guards. Members of the military and federal law enforcement, for example, would continue going to work, while civilian personnel working for the Defense Department would be furloughed. Federal employees should note that those who work during a shutdown when they aren’t supposed to could face fines or a prison term under the [Antideficiency Act](https://www.gao.gov/legal/appropriations-law/resources). ### National parks, public spaces, and airports Recreational facilities funded by the federal government would be forced to close, meaning travelers and tourists may be unable to visit national park facilities or the [Smithsonian museums](https://time.com/6314166/museum-american-latino-controversy/) in Washington during a shutdown. The National Park Service estimated that a 2013 government shutdown led to a $500 million loss in visitor spending nationwide. Some airports may also experience disruptions and delays, such as during the 2019 shutdown when air traffic controllers working without pay threatened to walk off the job—a move that helped end the shutdown. Passport offices in certain regions could also close, causing inconvenience for those planning international travel. ### Federal safety-net programs While food stamps and other nutrition aid programs would continue during a shutdown, federal agencies may have to reduce support after the March 14 funding deadline if the shutdown persists for an extended period. An extended closure could lead to disruptions in childcare programs like Head Start, which offers grants to childcare centers for families that have trouble paying for preschool. Federal offices for these programs could also have reduced services for people needing to sign up or looking for help. ## What remains open during a shutdown? Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual. For instance, the Postal Service and entitlement programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, would continue to run during a shutdown because they are funded by permanent appropriations that do not need to be renewed every year. Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability checks, would also continue as normal under a shutdown. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will also continue normal operations during a government shutdown due to funding approved through Congress last year. Taxpayers remain obligated to fulfill their tax obligations, and services like tax return processing carry on unaffected. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/"},"headline":"How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown?","datePublished":"2025-03-06T21:59:07.000Z","dateModified":"2026-03-10T23:25:00.879Z","description":"Republicans face a March 14 deadline to keep the government funded.","url":"https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/","keywords":["Congress","News desk edits"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt24e13aecc752ce91/6998c4b07323af5ee32bc504/GettyImages-2202806099_e51c49.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Nik Popli","jobTitle":"Staff Writer","url":"https://time.com/author/nik-popli/"}],"articleSection":"Politics","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt24e13aecc752ce91/6998c4b07323af5ee32bc504/GettyImages-2202806099_e51c49.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Donald Trump Delivers Joint Address To Congress","caption":"Donald Trump Delivers Joint Address To Congress","creditText":"Tierney L. Cross–Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/politics/","name":"Politics"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/congress/","name":"Congress"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/7265457/government-shutdown-republicans-congress-2/","name":"How Close Are We to a Government Shutdown?"}}]}] ```