January 1, Second Federal Shutdown Brings New Uncertainty

Wyatt’s Take

• Congress triggered a partial government shutdown after missing a funding deadline.
• Most core programs and agencies still funded, but Pentagon and key departments impacted.
• Uncertainty remains for working families depending on timely services.

America’s federal government faces another shutdown, this time only partial, after Congress couldn’t pass every needed funding bill before the January 30th cut-off. The Office of Management and Budget has told agencies to brace for the pause, which could start right after midnight.

OMB’s Russell T. Vought shared,

“The Administration will continue working with the Congress to address recently raised concerns to complete appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026. It is our hope that this lapse will be short. Agencies should continue to closely monitor developments, and OMB will provide further guidance as appropriate,”

Some federal departments, like Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Justice, Veterans Affairs, EPA, NASA, and NSF, will keep running. Congress also made sure the Legislative Branch stays funded. Programs like Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and the mail will not be touched by the shutdown.

But the Pentagon, Transportation Department, and several FEMA operations will pause, just like last year’s record-breaking 43-day shutdown. Air travel may be disrupted while agencies wait for new funding.

The State Department will feel the pinch, with many staffers preparing for possible furloughs if this drags on. One change this round: food stamp benefits won’t be affected—so struggling families keep a critical lifeline.

The full impact of this partial shutdown won’t be clear until the workweek starts. Heartland folks are left wondering how it may hit their daily lives.

Keep up with the facts and prepare for anything, folks. Middle America can’t afford to be caught off guard while politicians bicker in D.C.

Wyatt Matters

When Washington stalls, it’s small town workers and families feeling it first. Government games make life harder on folks just trying to make ends meet, while the suits keep getting paid. It’s a good reminder how distant D.C. can be from the dinner table.

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