Parts of the federal government have effectively stopped operating after congressional leaders failed to strike a deal before the Oct. 1 shutdown deadline.

Despite negotiation efforts , lawmakers could not come to an agreement on funding legislation before midnight on Oct. 1.

As a result, a partial government shutdown began, as of midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 1, the first day of the U.S. government's 2026 fiscal year. The shutdown will continue until appropriations are passed in Congress.

In turn, a wide range of federal services will be impacted and thousands of government workers are set to be furloughed . Certain agencies, like the U.S. Postal Service , air traffic control and Social Security , are considered essential and will run as usual.

Here's what to know.

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