A partial government shutdown is officially underway after Congress failed to finalize all federal funding before the deadline. This is not a full shutdown, meaning a lot of the government is still running, but several agencies are now operating with limited resources and many federal workers are feeling the impact.

The shutdown happened because lawmakers could not agree on how to fund certain parts of the government, most notably the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats are pushing for changes to immigration enforcement and more oversight tied to DHS funding. Republicans have pushed back on adding those conditions. When neither side reached a deal in time, funding lapsed and parts of the government shut down.

Even with the shutdown, some key services are still going. Social Security and Medicare payments are continuing. SNAP food benefits are expected to go out as usual. The Postal Service is still operating, and many veterans services remain available. Agencies that were already funded through earlier bills are also continuing their work.

Other parts of the government are not so lucky. Portions of Homeland Security are temporarily unfunded, along with some transportation and defense programs. Thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or are being asked to work without pay until Congress reaches an agreement. While back pay is guaranteed once the shutdown ends, that does not help workers cover bills right now.

This matters, especially for Black communities. Black Americans make up a significant share of the federal workforce, which means more households are at risk of delayed paychecks. Any disruption to federal services can also hit harder in communities that already face economic challenges.

Lawmakers say talks are ongoing, and House leaders have suggested a vote to end the shutdown could happen within days. Still, nothing is final until a bill passes and is signed into law.

For now, the shutdown remains in place, leaving federal workers and families stuck in the middle of another round of political gridlock. BET will continue to track what happens next and how it affects our communities.