Date Published: September 30, 2025, 03:04h.
Last Updated: September 30, 2025, 03:04h.
- Travel specialists are urging the US government to avert a shutdown
- A shutdown could further impact Las Vegas tourism
Lawmakers are actively working in the Capitol to prevent a federal government shutdown set for midnight EST.
To keep the federal government operational, Congress must pass a funding bill by October 1, marking the start of the government’s fiscal year. In recent years, political stalemates have led to numerous short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) for temporary funding. A notable closure occurred in 2018, lasting 35 days and impacting approximately 800,000 federal workers.
With only a few hours remaining, Congress needs to send a spending bill or CR to President Donald Trump to ensure the federal government continues to function smoothly. Without this action, tourism could be affected.
Essential employees, like TSA agents and air traffic controllers, will work without pay during a shutdown but will receive back pay once the government is fully operational again.
Potential Travel Disruptions from Shutdown
A brief federal government shutdown is not likely to severely disrupt tourism in Las Vegas, but an extended shutdown, given the current deadlock between Republicans and Democrats, poses a significant risk to travel.
This assessment comes from Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association. Prior to this role, he led the American Gaming Association, representing commercial and tribal casino interests in Washington from 2013 to 2018, during which time the Supreme Court lifted the federal sports betting ban.
“The longer a shutdown lasts, the more we can expect extended TSA lines, flight delays, and cancellations,” Freeman stated. “Almost 90% of Americans believe Congress should collaborate to prevent a shutdown. People deserve better; lawmakers must act before October 1 to ensure our government remains funded, protecting jobs, travelers, and the economy.”
Freeman indicated that prolonged shutdowns could lead some federal employees to refrain from reporting to work due to concerns about unpaid time. However, a 2019 law stipulates that Congress must compensate federal employees for their work during shutdowns.
According to the US Travel Association, the domestic travel industry might lose $1 billion each week during a government shutdown, affecting millions of travelers and businesses.
Las Vegas Struggling
Southern Nevada is currently facing a downturn in tourism. Las Vegas has experienced nearly an 8% decline in visitor numbers through August compared to 2024. Harry Reid International Airport has seen a 4.5% drop in air travelers this year, equating to a loss of over 1.76 million passengers.
Research from Tourism Economics reveals that 60% of Americans would cancel or avoid flying if a government shutdown occurs. Over 81% believe that federal government shutdowns negatively impact the economy, and 86% feel these shutdowns create inconveniences for air travelers.