This has happened before, 95 and 96. It's not literal. The government doesn't literally shutdown.
It means that they just don't provide certain services. The president and different branches can't agree on a budget cut or plan or deal or whatever as the budget cycle approaches. Therefore they just limit certain things.
Sometimes military included but just that their pay is delayed that's it. In this case, the military isn't involved, neither the post office or any services like that.
The only services affected are:
Health: just new people who are applying to and for it.
Housing: it won't be provided. Although not sure on this one because the government funds this and they don't want to pay during the shutdown.
Immigration: meaning passports, residency, permit, etc.
Law enforcement: civil cases that the government funds.
Parks and Museums: over 500 including Yosemite. My favorite of all time.
Although social security stays in place (given it better since Roosevelt did a good job even adding this) they will cut employees.
VA benefits will be disrupted. Not removed. As a veteran military mommy this doesn't worry me too much. If it's just delayed. BUT if the shutdown last 2-3 weeks or longer the Va benefits will begin to deny almost millions of claims. Because there's no money.
AND most importantly. WIC. It will last all over October. (In Texas at least because the state can fund it until then) If the shutdown isn't removed by then. This will affect me the most.
I find all of this sketchy, no leaving for vacations, no passports, no weapon carrying permits... But we have money to go to WW3? I'm very into the whole conspiracy thing so I know this is just the beginning of something worse.