Education Department Prepares for Possible Government Shutdown

The U.S. Department of Education is bracing for a potential government shutdown, releasing its updated contingency plan over the weekend.

Officials say nearly 1,500 of the department’s 1,700 employees would be furloughed if Congress fails to pass a new spending bill by Tuesday night. Among those affected would be most staff at the Office of Federal Student Aid.

Some essential employees would remain on duty to ensure federal student loans and grants continue to be processed. However, if the shutdown extends beyond a week, the department says it would be forced to bring back some workers on a partial or rotating basis to maintain critical operations.

The plan underscores how a shutdown would disrupt key government services, even as core programs are kept running. Congress has until midnight Tuesday to reach an agreement and avoid widespread furloughs across federal agencies.

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