Federal shutdown affects agency operations and safety programmesThe International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) reported that as of midnight on Tuesday 1 October, federal funding lapsed for most U.S. agencies after Congress failed to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. While some agencies deemed essential – including the U.S. military and Transportation Security Administration – continue operating without pay, others have partially or fully ceased activity. The IAFC said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has closed the National Fire Academy until further notice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has furloughed most of its staff, with only 35% continuing to work on limited emergency prevention and response functions. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will continue emergency investigations and enforcement of safety regulations.