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What could happen as U.S. government shutdown looms

  • Kelly Geraldine Malone

  • Canadian Press

  • September 30, 2025

Layne Morrison, left, of Washington, and Courtney Creek, of Silver Spring, Md., who were let go from their jobs with the Education Department and a USAID funded grant respectively, hold signs about the looming government shutdown, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington, during a rally with former federal employees. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump says a federal government shutdown is likely as Congress sits at a stalemate ahead of a midnight deadline to pass legislation to keep it running.

Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other for causing the shutdown and the president has not shared much concern about the work stoppage.

It would result in many government agencies' work coming to a standstill and a furlough of hundreds of thousands of employees.

It's not yet clear how Canadians might be affected, but the U.S. federal work stoppage could impact travellers who may face longer lines at airports and closures at national parks.

Employees still required to work won't get paid until after the shutdown ends.

The Department of Homeland Security says tariffs will continue to be collected under a funding lapse.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2025.