Economic security

Despite the shutdown, the government is still operating. Here's how

Despite the failure of Congress to fund continuing government operations, a vast number of government functions are continuing and will continue during the misnamed shutdown. This includes all services deemed essential for national security and public safety – such as the military and law enforcement – as well as mandatory government payments such as Social Security and veterans’ benefits.

Federal spending is governed by the Constitution, federal law, Justice Department legal opinions, and planning memoranda issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Article I of the Constitution says that the Treasury Department can’t spend money unless it has been appropriated by Congress. The federal Antideficiency Act (ADA) makes it illegal for federal officials to spend money in excess of congressional appropriations and prohibits the government from accepting voluntary services.

However, the ADA also contains an exception that allows funds to be spent “for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.”