Government Shutdown Arrives. The federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to reach an agreement to extend funding for federal agencies. This is the first government shutdown since the thirty-four–day shutdown that spanned the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. Obviously, the current shutdown will have a significant impact on federal labor and employment agencies, as well as immigration-related agencies. As of this writing, there is no clear path for Congress to strike a deal, though the U.S. Senate is remaining in Washington, D.C., to negotiate and—potentially—vote. (The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed its continuing resolution funding bill.)
For a closer look at the shutdown, please join us for “The Federal Government Shutdown: Key Considerations for Employers on Immigration, DOL, EEOC, and More,” a webinar that will take place this Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Shareholders James J. Plunkett and Caroline Tang will discuss the shutdown’s impacts, the prospect for a timely resolution, and the outlook for employers and the broader regulated community. Register here.
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