Public utility guide directory
Government Shutdown Guides
Practical, frequently updated guides about what happens before, during, and after a federal shutdown. These pages cover both full shutdowns and partial shutdowns, where only some agencies or programs are affected.
Take Action Tools
Action hub
Contact Your Representatives About a Government Shutdown
Find official contact paths, use a simple checklist, choose the right shutdown guide, and see why constituent contact matters.
Copy tool
Government Shutdown Email Template
Generate a concise, customizable message you can paste into your representative or senator's official contact form.
Call script
Government Shutdown Phone Script
Create a short phone script for calling a congressional office or the U.S. Capitol Switchboard.
Shutdown Basics
Federal Workers & Pay
Who Gets Paid During a Government Shutdown?
The difference between furloughed workers, excepted workers, contractors, military personnel, and recipients.
Do Federal Employees Get Back Pay After a Government Shutdown?
What current law and agency guidance generally mean for federal workers after funding resumes.