How a federal government shutdown works

"Every year, Congress votes on appropriation bills that need to be passed in order to fund most of the federal government's agencies. If the funding deadline fails to pass by Oct. 1, which is the start of the new fiscal year, the government must partially or fully shut down, depending on which agencies are sufficiently funded."

"WHO WILL GET FURLOUGHED? With the exception of programs funded by other means, the federal government must furlough or stop all non-essential functions until funding is voted on and approved by Congress and signed into law. Here's a look at agencies that will be furloughed as a result of the government shutdown:"

Congress must annually pass appropriation bills to fund most federal agencies. The funding deadline is Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year. If funding is not approved by that date, the government must partially or fully shut down based on which agencies lack sufficient appropriations. Except for programs funded by other means, federal non-essential functions must be furloughed or stopped until Congress votes on funding and the president signs the legislation into law. Agencies without sufficient funding will see employees placed on furlough. Historical records track lapses of at least five days in funding since 1976.

Read at The Mercury News