What the Federal Government Shutdown Means for Texas

On October 1, 2025, the federal government officially shuttered operations after Congress failed to reach agreement on funding levels, triggering a cascade of potential disruptions in services that many Texans rely on. The Texas Tribune

Impact on Federal Workers in Texas

Texas is home to one of the largest federal civilian workforces in the country—over 130,000 non-military federal employees as of September 2024. The Texas Tribune Many of them will be required to report to work without pay, while others whose positions are deemed non-essential may be furloughed. The Texas Tribune

Services already vulnerable include offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration in places such as Houston and Waco, and Department of Agriculture service centers statewide. The Texas Tribune

Some positions, such as air traffic controllers and TSA personnel, are considered “essential” and are obligated to continue operations, though delays and disruptions are still likely to ripple through transportation systems. The Texas Tribune

Benefits, Health, and Safety Nets

Key benefit programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are largely funded outside the annual appropriations process, so they are less likely to be immediately affected. The Texas Tribune However, administrative assistance — e.g. help processing claims or answering inquiries — may slow or face staffing shortages. The Texas Tribune

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known in Texas as food stamps, is also likely to continue for a time because it is largely funded through mandatory spending. The Texas Tribune

By contrast, programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which rely more heavily on discretionary funding, may see earlier impacts. As of now, Texas officials say WIC services remain available and appointments can proceed, but they are still evaluating how lasting the shutdown’s effects may be. The Texas Tribune

Public Lands, Parks, and Outdoor Services

Texas contains several notable federal lands — roughly 3.2 million acres (about 2 % of the state) — including national parks like Big Bend, Padre Island National Seashore, and the San Antonio Missions.

In past shutdowns, full closures of parks have occurred. In this instance, agencies plan to keep open outdoor-access sites while shuttering buildings that require operation by staff. That means restrooms, visitor centers, trails, or buildings that require staffing may be closed or unmanaged, leading to accumulation of trash and infrastructure deterioration.

Veterans’ Services

Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers are expected to remain open for health care services even amid the funding gap. However, regional VA benefits offices will close, limiting veterans’ ability to access transition support, career counseling, or some benefits processing functions until the shutdown is resolved.

Defense, Military, and Border Functions

Because military and defense operations are considered critical, active-duty service members will continue their duties without interruption and will be paid retroactively once funding is restored.

Law enforcement, border security, and customs operations are largely preserved under contingency plans, meaning border patrol agents, ICE, and customs officials will remain active. FEMA, the agency that helps with disaster relief (which Texas periodically needs), also plans to maintain most of its workforce during the shutdown.

Anticipated Duration and Consequences

Lawmakers remain deadlocked in Congress over spending bills. Without a continuing resolution or bipartisan deal, the funding gap could drag on for weeks, extending the strain on affected services.

In past shutdowns, staffing shortages at transportation and security agencies have caused flight delays, and cutbacks at parks and public lands have led to environmental damage and facility neglect.

For Texans, especially those dependent on federal programs, veterans, rural communities near national parks, and federal employees, the shutdown represents a significant disruption whose effects will be felt unevenly across the state.