When Washington Stops, New Jersey Suffers

SAANVI LAMBA, Editor-in-Chief

The federal government has been shut down since October 1, 2025, for the first time in seven years, after Republicans in the House of Representatives and Democrats in the Senate could not agree on a new spending plan. Many federal workers across the country have been sent home without pay, while others continue working without knowing when the shutdown might end. Lawmakers in Washington are now working to pass a temporary bill to reopen agencies and restore funding.

New Jersey residents are directly impacted by the effects. At Newark Liberty International Airport, federal employees like air traffic controllers and TSA agents are still on the job, but without pay, causing worries about the strain on employees and flight delays or cancellations. State officials report that unemployment claims from federal workers affected by the shutdown have increased, and important reports, including the monthly jobs numbers, have been delayed because the Bureau of Labor Statistics cannot release data. Families across the state are waiting for food assistance and other federal programs, creating stress in many communities.

Some lawmakers say the shutdown emphasizes the importance of controlling spending and keeping the budget in check, mentioning that federal costs continue to rise along with the national debt. If Congress passes the spending bill and the President signs it, federal agencies will reopen and workers will receive back pay. Until then, millions of Americans- including many New Jerseyans- are dealing with delays and disruptions, showing how connected local communities are to decisions made in Washington.