Will a US federal government shutdown begin on 1 October 2026?

US government funding for the 2026 fiscal year expires at the end of 30 September, and Congress must pass appropriations or a stopgap bill before then. The stand-off lands about five weeks before the November midterm elections, which sharpens both parties' incentives to hold out. A shutdown furloughs federal workers and suspends many government services. Resolves: 1 October 2026 • Source: Associated Press and Reuters reporting Rule: Resolves YES if appropriations lapse at 12:01am US Eastern time on 1 October 2026 with no continuing resolution or full-year appropriations in force, and federal agencies begin shutdown procedures, as reported by the Associated Press and Reuters. A stopgap signed before the deadline resolves NO however short it is, and a shutdown that starts later in October or beyond does not count.