Would the US Postal Service stop during a shutdown?

A government shutdown will not affect the mail, meaning even if Congress does not pass a funding plan, holiday gifts still out for delivery should arrive.

Congress has until midnight Saturday to avoid a government shutdown. If it misses the deadline, several agencies would not have the funds to continue operating, meaning some services would be delayed or stopped and federal workers would be furloughed or work without pay.

However, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is funded through the sale of its products and services, not by tax dollars, meaning it will stay operational if Congress fails to avert a shutdown.

“U.S. Postal Service operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual,” according to a 2023 post on the agency’s website.

Services that would be impacted by a shutdown

National parks

Facilities that require staffing would close but visitors could still access some memorials and open-air parks where staffing isn’t required.

Federal courts

Federal courts usually have enough money on hand from court filings and other fees to stay open for several weeks during shutdowns. After that, they curtail services. Federal prisons stay open.

Veterans

Veterans Administration hospitals stay open and benefit checks are issued during a shutdown, but new benefit applications and pending claims aren’t processed.

Active duty military

During a shutdown, military personnel would continue to work, but they don’t get paid until Congress provides funding. Some civilian military employees are furloughed.