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Table of Contents
Government Shutdown
When Does It Happen
A government shutdown happens in the United States when Congress fails to enact sufficient appropriation bills or continuing resolutions to support federal government operations and agencies, or when the President refuses to sign such legislation.1)
Antideficiency Act
In such instances, the current interpretation of the Antideficiency Act authorizes the federal government to initiate a “shutdown” of the impacted operations, which includes furloughing non-essential staff and reducing agency activities and services.2)
Essential Staff
Essential staff must continue to work without compensation until the government reopens, at which point they may be eligible for back pay. TSA agents and medical personnel from Veterans Hospitals may be among these staff.3)