Government Shutdown Glossary

KEYWORDS

Government shutdown 
When the government cannot or has not yet passed an approved budget. 

Federal shutdown 
Another way to say government shutdown — it affects the whole U.S. government. 

Partial government shutdown 
When only some parts of the government close, but others stay open. 

Government funding lapse 
When the money that keeps the government running runs out because a new budget wasn’t passed in time. 

Federal budget impasse 
When Congress can’t agree on how to spend money, the budget doesn’t move forward. 

Continuing resolution (CR) 
A short-term plan that keeps the government open for a little longer while leaders work out a full budget. 

Spending bill 
A law that gives money to government programs and services. 

Appropriations bill 
A specific type of spending bill that lets government departments use money for their work. 

Fiscal year budget 
The government’s yearly plan for how to spend money, starting each year on October 1. 

Congressional funding negotiations 
When members of Congress talk and make deals about how the government should spend money. 

Deadline to avoid shutdown 
The last day Congress must pass a funding plan before the government runs out of money. 

Reduction-in-force (RIF) 
When a government job is cut or an employee is let go because there isn’t enough money or work. 

Federal agency closures 
When some government offices must close because they don’t have funding. 

Funding gap 
A time when no money is approved for the government to keep running. 

Temporary government closure 
When the government shuts down for a short time until funding is restored. 

Federal operations suspended 
When some government work is paused because there’s no funding. 

Shutdown contingency plan 
A backup plan that explains what work will continue and what will stop if the government shuts down. 

ACRONYMS

OMB – Office of Management and Budget 
Part of the White House that helps plan how the government spends money. It also gives shutdown guidance to federal agencies. 

GAO – Government Accountability Office 
A federal agency that checks how taxpayer money is used and reports if it’s being spent properly. 

CR – Continuing Resolution 
A short-term law that keeps the government open while Congress works on a longer budget plan. 

FY – Fiscal Year 
The government’s financial year, which starts on October 1 and ends on September 30. 

RIF – Reduction-in-Force 
When government jobs are cut because there isn’t enough money or work. 

OPM – Office of Personnel Management 
The federal agency that handles pay, benefits, and job policies for government workers. 

DOD – Department of Defense 
The agency that oversees the military and national security; usually keeps essential services running during a shutdown. 

DHS – Department of Homeland Security 
Handles public safety, border security, and disaster response; parts of it stay open during a shutdown. 

DOJ – Department of Justice 
Oversees law enforcement and legal matters for the U.S. government; some work continues during a shutdown. 

USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Runs food, farm, and nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC, which may be affected by a shutdown. 

HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development 
Provides housing and rental help; some programs may pause during a shutdown. 

SBA – Small Business Administration 
Helps small businesses with loans and support; may delay new loans during a shutdown. 

IRS – Internal Revenue Service 
Collects taxes and issues refunds; some services may slow down or pause. 

SSA – Social Security Administration 
Handles Social Security payments, which continue during a shutdown, though some services may be delayed. 

NPS – National Park Service 
Manages parks and historic sites; many close or operate with limited staff during a shutdown.