Congress’ failure to pass a budget by the September 30, 2025, deadline forced the country into a government shutdown, meaning stalled services and delayed paychecks for millions of workers and families without a paycheck.

Young people already face rising rates of poverty, disconnection from school and work, and an ongoing mental health crisis. The abrupt disruption in federal funding adds another barrier to success for America’s youth and young adults, with stalled supports for academic achievement and workforce training programs.

Behind every frozen grant or delayed payment is a real story: a parent unable to afford groceries, a child cut off from after-school programs, a young adult losing access to job training, or a teenager going without the mental health services they need.

The harm falls hardest on those already pushed to the margins: children in low-income households, young people, and workers in low-wage jobs. These are the very communities Congress should be investing in to ensure safety, stability, and economic mobility.

The government shutdown is not just a political fight in Washington but a crisis that reaches into the lives of young people and their families. We call on Congress to move quickly to reopen the government, protect access to essential services, and ensure that families, youth, and workers are not forced to bear the avoidable costs.

Learn more about the specific legislation currently in danger in this article from the Children’s Funding Project.