Is the Government Still Shutdown February 3, 2026? The February 2026 Update

Yes, the United States federal government is currently in a partial shutdown. As of today, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, funding has lapsed for several major departments after Congress failed to reach an agreement before the January 31 deadline.

Here is the truth: while the Senate passed a bipartisan funding deal late Friday night, the House of Representatives was in recess over the weekend. Lawmakers returned to Washington yesterday, Monday, February 2, and are expected to hold a final vote today or tomorrow to end the impasse. Until that bill reaches the President’s desk, we remain in a state of “orderly shutdown.”

The 2026 Reality: Which Agencies are Closed?

Because Congress had already passed six of the twelve annual spending bills earlier this year, this is a partial shutdown. Not every office is closed, and most essential services are still running.

Departments Currently Shutdown (Without Funding):

• Defense: While active-duty military remain on duty, they are currently working without pay.
• Homeland Security (DHS): This includes TSA and Border Patrol.
• Transportation: Expect potential delays with the FAA and air traffic control.
• Health and Human Services (HHS): Research at the NIH and some FDA inspections are paused.
• State Department: Passport and visa processing may face significant delays.
• Treasury, Labor, Education, and HUD: Most non-essential staff are currently furloughed.

Agencies NOT Impacted (Funding is Secure):

• Social Security Administration: Checks are still being mailed.
• Veterans Affairs (VA): VA hospitals remain open.
• Justice Department: Federal courts and the FBI remain operational.
• Agriculture & Interior: National Parks and food safety inspections are largely unaffected this time.

Why Is This Happening? The 2026 Conflict

The 2026 shutdown was triggered by a specific and tragic event. Following a controversial law enforcement incident in Minneapolis in early January, a group of House and Senate lawmakers demanded new “guardrails” on ICE and Homeland Security operations.

Most sites won’t tell you this, but the current deal involves a “split” strategy:

1. Five Full-Year Bills: Funding for the Pentagon, State Department, and others through September 2026.
2. A Two-Week DHS Extension: A short-term bridge for Homeland Security to allow for 14 days of intense negotiation on immigration enforcement reform.

The Legal Impact on Your Wallet

If you have ongoing business with the federal government, the shutdown changes the rules of engagement. For example, if you are a federal contractor, you are in a precarious position. Per consumer lending rights, if a “Stop Work Order” is issued due to lack of funding, contractors may not be entitled to back pay unless specifically negotiated in their contract.

Key Strategies for Navigating the Shutdown

If you’re caught in the middle of this legislative gridlock, here’s how to protect your legal and financial interests:

• Watch Your DTI: If you are a furloughed federal employee, your debt-to-income ratio might look risky to lenders right now. Many banks, however, offer “shutdown assistance” that won’t count against your loan qualification.
• Speeding Tickets and Fines: If you received a federal speeding ticket or a citation on federal land, the courts are generally open, but administrative processing is slowed. Do not miss your “Notice to Appear” date, as the courts are still technically operational.
• Passport Delays: If you have international travel planned, check with the State Department immediately. While some offices remain open, the backlog grows daily during a shutdown.

💡 Pro Tip

If you need to file a speeding ticket appeal in a federal jurisdiction, do it now digitally. While processing may be paused, “date-received” timestamps are still legally binding. Filing during the shutdown ensures you meet your deadline, even if the government doesn’t “open” your file until next week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still get my Social Security check?

Yes. Social Security is a “mandatory” program. The money is already set aside and does not require annual approval from Congress. However, calling for help with your driving record or benefit verification may result in long wait times.

Are National Parks open during the 2026 shutdown?

Yes. Because the Interior and Environment bill was already signed into law, National Parks are fully funded through September 2026.

Do federal employees get back pay?

Yes. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, all federal employees—including those furloughed and those working without pay—are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends.

What to Do Next

If you are affected by a service delay, your first stop should be the official agency website (e.g., SSA.gov or State.gov). If you are worried about how a pay lapse might affect your debt relief plans, contact your lender immediately to ask about “government shutdown” forbearance.

To stay updated on how this impacts your legal status, check out our guides on loan qualification or consumer lending rights.

Official Resources & Sources

• Social Security Administration: Shutdown Impact Post (Feb 2, 2026)
• U.S. House of Representatives: Government Shutdown Resources 2026
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Agency Contingency Plans
• Wikipedia: 2026 U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Overview

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Government shutdown status, agency funding, and furlough rules are subject to rapid change in February 2026. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide personal legal recommendations. For specific guidance, contact your local congressional office or review the official contingency plans at WhiteHouse.gov.

Last Updated: February 3, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal and legislative developments.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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