As the deadline to fund the government fast approaches and with no deal in Congress in sight, there is growing concern among Americans about the potential impact of a government shutdown. Many people are uncertain about what this means for the services they rely on and how it will affect their paychecks.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve new spending for federal agencies, which are generally not allowed to spend money without congressional authorization, with a few exceptions for activities that protect life and property. Each agency determines which employees are necessary to continue working, which means the impact on federal operations can vary widely.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is currently facing challenges within his Republican caucus as he tries to find a way forward. Some hard-right members oppose a short-term deal that would extend government funding, even with spending cuts.
Since no annual spending bills have been passed, a government shutdown would affect nearly every aspect of the vast federal government, except for programs with permanent funding. Many federal employees would be required to work without pay, while hundreds of thousands more would be furloughed and have their paychecks delayed until a resolution is reached.
The duration of the shutdown would determine its impact. Here are some of the federal government’s functions that would and wouldn’t be affected by a lapse in funding:
– Members of the military and federal law enforcement would continue working, but their pay may be delayed until government funding is approved. Most civilian personnel working for the Defense Department would be furloughed, with military personnel stepping in to carry out their work.
– Nonessential government programs could be paused, which might include the cancellation of training exercises and furloughs of certain employees.
– The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would continue normal operations since funding for the agency comes from previously approved legislation. Taxpayers would still be required to pay taxes during a shutdown.
– The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stated that all Veterans Health Administration facilities would remain open during a shutdown. VA doctors would continue working, and benefits for military retirees and bereaved families would continue uninterrupted.
– Social Security checks would continue to be sent out, but other services provided by the Social Security Administration might be affected. Medicare and Medicaid benefits would continue as well.
– The U.S. Postal Service would not be affected by the shutdown, so mail delivery and Post Office operations would continue as usual.
– The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded through mandatory spending, but the issuance of benefits could be affected since employees of the Department of Agriculture wouldn’t receive a paycheck.
– National parks might be closed during a shutdown, as was the case in the 2013 shutdown. However, some states paid the federal government to keep certain properties open.
– Travelers could experience delays at airports due to air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents working without pay. Training for air traffic controllers could also be halted, which would exacerbate the existing shortage of controllers.
– The State Department’s Passport Agency would remain open but might experience delays in processing passport renewals.
It is crucial to note that the impact of a government shutdown can vary depending on its duration and specific circumstances. While some essential services would continue, the disruption caused by furloughs and delayed paychecks can have significant consequences for federal employees and the general public.
