The federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass appropriation bills. For Bismarck and the rest of North Dakota, that means some disruptions—especially in federal services—but also important safeguards still in place. Here’s what locals need to know now.
The 2025 U.S. government shutdown stems from a partisan standoff over healthcare subsidies, federal spending levels, and rescissions.
Unlike state government, a federal funding lapse forces nonessential federal operations to pause.
In North Dakota, nearly 6,000 federal workers could be affected by furloughs or nonpayment of services.
Key federal programs tied to agriculture, USDA loans, disaster relief, and farm support may be paused or delayed.
However, state-level entitlement programs — including Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, TANF, and childcare funds — are assured to continue.
With USDA programs on pause or slowed, loan approvals, crop insurance, and relief requests could face bottlenecks.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open under skeleton crews; visitor centers and restrooms may close.
With USDA programs on pause or slowed, loan approvals, crop insurance, and relief requests could face bottlenecks.
The shutdown does not affect the state of North Dakota’s operations.
What Bismarck residents should do now:
Monitor announcements from North Dakota HHS, Job Service ND, and the USDA for updates on service changes.
Farmers or rural businesses relying on federal grants or loans should prepare for delays and adjust expectations.
Stay informed of any travel advisories or airport delays as TSA and FAA staff operate without pay.
Understand that while federal disruptions may sting, the safety net of state-administered benefits continues to hold.
