Atlanta, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The federal government has shut down following a failure to reach a funding agreement in Congress. The shutdown impacts thousands of federal employees in Atlanta, particularly at the CDC, where 8,700 workers are furloughed. Various federal programs, including WIC and SNAP, which provide essential support to families in Georgia, are also at risk. Governor Brian Kemp has called for bipartisan cooperation to resolve the situation and minimize disruptions to local economies and services.
Atlanta
The federal government officially shut down on the morning of October 1, 2025, following a failure to reach a funding agreement in Congress, resulting in significant impacts across Georgia, particularly in Atlanta. This is the first government shutdown in nearly seven years, affecting around 8,700 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who have been furloughed due to this budgetary impasse.
Georgia is home to over 110,000 federal employees, and the shutdown strains many households that rely on federal paychecks for their livelihoods. The current shutdown was triggered by a disagreement over health care funding between the Democratic and Republican parties. Democrats sought to include Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid protections in the funding, while Republicans preferred a “clean” funding bill without any health care changes.
Government shutdowns typically have far-reaching effects on local workers and services, impacting residents reliant on various federal programs. In Georgia, critical programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) initiative and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk. Over 190,000 people in the state benefit from WIC, an essential aid for families needing food and baby formula, while more than 1 million Georgians receive some form of federal funding from SNAP.
The economic security issue is pressing, as this shutdown threatens the livelihoods of families dependent on federal support. Furloughs at the CDC follow previous layoffs within federal agencies, including more than 600 job cuts at the CDC in August 2025. Meanwhile, employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport continue to report for duty, albeit without pay, leading to a somber atmosphere among workers. Essential operations such as airport security screening and air traffic control remain active during the shutdown.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has called for cooperation from both political parties to swiftly end the shutdown, emphasizing its unsustainability for local economies and services. Residents have encountered difficulties accessing essential services at the Social Security office, where the staff shortage due to furloughed workers has resulted in limited services and prolonged wait times. This has led to frustration among individuals turned away at federal offices, expressing their urgent need for assistance.
As of October 2, 2025, there were no scheduled votes in the U.S. Senate, although a potential vote was anticipated on October 3. In light of the shutdown, President Trump announced plans to engage with the Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget. Federal employees are expressing fears of financial hardship, recalling the painful memories of the 35-day government shutdown from 2018 to 2019 that forced many into difficult living situations.
Key Impact Summary
- Furloughed Employees: Approximately 8,700 at the CDC
- Federal Employees in Georgia: Over 110,000
- WIC Beneficiaries: Over 190,000
- SNAP Recipients: More than 1 million
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Furloughs | 8,700 CDC employees |
| Federal Employees in Georgia | 110,000+ |
| WIC Program | 190,000+ beneficiaries |
| SNAP Program | 1 million+ recipients |
FAQ
What date did the federal government officially shut down?
The federal government officially shut down on the morning of October 1, 2025.
How many employees were furloughed at the CDC?
Approximately 8,700 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were furloughed as a result of the shutdown.
What programs in Georgia are affected by the federal government shutdown?
Programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk during the shutdown.
How many Georgians rely on SNAP assistance?
More than 1 million Georgians receive some form of federal funding from SNAP.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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U.S. Government Shutdown: Impacts on Federal Workers in Georgia
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Operations Unaffected by Government Shutdown
Federal Shutdown Affects TSA Employees at Atlanta Airport
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: TSA Agents in Atlanta Work Without Pay Amid Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdown
- WSB TV: Government Shutdown Impacts Federal Workers in Metro Atlanta
- Google Search: Government Shutdown Georgia
- AJC: Flights and Security Screening Continue at Atlanta’s Airport Despite Shutdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- 11 Alive: Will the Government Shutdown Impact Travel at Hartsfield-Jackson?
- Google News: CDC Shutdown Impact
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
