Policy UpDate: 10/2/25
Sasha@iaje.us
A Shutdown has occurred. What does this mean?
The U.S. federal government has shut down after lawmakers failed to agree on a budget, leading to the suspension of some government services. About 40% of federal workers, around 750,000 people, are expected to be placed on unpaid leave. Essential services like border protection, law enforcement, hospital care, and air traffic control will continue, though many staff will work without pay. Social Security and Medicare checks will still go out, but administrative functions may pause. Non-essential services such as food assistance programs, federally funded preschools, and Smithsonian museums are likely to be reduced or closed. Agencies like the CDC and NIH will furlough many workers, disrupting research. National parks may remain open but understaffed, risking vandalism. Travel could also be affected, with possible flight delays and slower passport processing.
Past Shutdown Action Items via NILC:
Urge Senators and Members to Reject ICE Funding and Invest in Communities
“We need you to take action NOW! On September 30th, the House and Senate will be reaching their government funding deadline. Given the short timeline and disagreements between the two political parties it is likely that there will be another continuing resolution or a government shutdown. As the House and Senate continue to work on 12 spending bills for fiscal year 2026 both chambers are planning to increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) adding onto the $45 billion ICE just received in the reconciliation bill. These funds will go toward Trump's plans to increase detention capacity to detain nearly 110,000 people at any given time. Write your Representatives and tell them to stop funding ICE!”
Tell Congress to reject further ICE funding and to restore congressional oversight
