The Escalating Crisis of the US Government Shutdown: Five Key Impacts

Thu Oct 30 2025 23:00:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the US government shutdown progresses, millions of Americans face mounting hardships. From critical food assistance programs to military pay issues, here's a detailed look at the fallout and what's at stake.

The US government shutdown, extending into its fifth week, is causing significant distress for many Americans. With critical services like food assistance and military payments on the line, the situation is expected to deteriorate further. Key areas affected include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), military pay, home heating assistance, federal workers' wages, and air traffic control. Each aspect underscores the urgent need for a resolution as the pressure on vulnerable communities increases.

The US government shutdown has entered its fifth week and there is no clear end in sight.

With Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over passing a spending plan that would reopen federal agencies, millions of Americans are feeling economic pain that could soon grow worse.

The fiscal fight means millions of Americans may not receive food aid, thousands of troops could have to work without pay, and millions may go without heat.

Here’s how the shutdown has affected everyday people.

Food assistance

More than 40 million Americans use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed themselves and their families. While that program had enough funding to survive the first four weeks of the shutdown, the Trump administration has warned that money could run out on November 1.

By then, SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, could lapse for the first time in the program's history. It's a critical lifeline to prevent families from falling into poverty, as noted by Hannah Garth from Princeton University.

Also regarding SNAP, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency to assist the three million New Yorkers that stand to lose food assistance due to the impasse.

Military pay

If the Trump administration does not intervene soon, over a million members of the US military will miss their paychecks this week. With approximately a quarter of military families categorized as food insecure, many rely on SNAP or food pantries to make ends meet.

Heating support during winter

Approximately six million Americans depend on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with utility bills. Without government action, thousands may face dangerous heating situations as temperatures drop, especially in regions relying on propane or heating oil.

Federal civilian workers

Thousands of federal civilian employees will also miss paychecks this week, worsening their financial situations. Reports indicate that many are turning to food banks and pantries for assistance amidst the shutdown.

Air traffic controllers

Lastly, air traffic controllers, considered essential workers, are now dealing with missed paychecks while managing flight delays and calls in sick, highlighting the broader operational impacts of the shutdown on everyday Americans.