Washington, D.C.   As another potential U.S. government shutdown looms, millions of Americans are watching closely to see whether lawmakers can reach a last-minute agreement to keep federal operations running. While shutdowns have become a familiar part of modern politics, their causes and consequences remain serious, affecting the economy, government services, and public trust. What Is a Government Shutdown? A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass legislation that funds federal agencies and programs. Without approved spending bills or a temporary measure known as a continuing resolution , many parts of the government must partially or fully close. The U.S. fiscal year begins on October 1 . If lawmakers do not reach a budget agreement by then, nonessential government functions are paused, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either furloughed (placed on unpaid leave) or required to work without immediate pay. Essential services, such as nation...