If the US government ceases some operations or undergoes a "shutdown" as the result of a funding gap or missed funding deadline before January 1, 2025, then a credible source will report on it. A qualifying shutdown must lead to a shutdown furlough of federal employees. The term "shutdown" refers to federal agencies discontinuing non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. This includes funding gaps lasting three days or fewer since 1981, except for those with no impact on operations.