What Closes and What Remains Open? By Reuters

By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON – A potential failure by Congress to extend funding beyond October 1 could lead to significant disruptions in U.S. government services, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers who may be directed not to work. Essential personnel would remain on duty, but pay for all federal employees could be halted during a shutdown, although they would receive back pay once operations resume.

Here’s a breakdown of what services would remain operational and what would be closed, based on agency shutdown plans from the previous year:

WHEN AND WHY WOULD THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN?

Congress typically drafts spending legislation for federal agencies annually, yet it often doesn’t meet the deadline before the fiscal year starts on October 1. Lawmakers frequently resort to temporary spending measures to prevent disruptions while completing their work, but this process can involve considerable tension.

This year, House Republicans require that any temporary spending bill include measures to tighten voting laws to prevent non-citizens from participating in elections. Though non-citizens are already prohibited by law from voting, Senate Democrats oppose this as a suppression tactic. If no agreement is reached by October 1, substantial sections of the government could run out of funds.

WILL THE MAIL STILL GET DELIVERED?

The U.S. Postal Service will operate as usual, as it is not reliant on congressional funding.

WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, AND OTHER BENEFITS?

The Social Security Administration will continue issuing retirement and disability benefits. Medicare and Medicaid payments will persist, and military veterans will keep receiving their benefits and medical care. Food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other nutritional programs will also continue, though potential disruptions may occur.

WHAT DOES A SHUTDOWN MEAN FOR THE MILITARY?

While the approximately 2 million active U.S. military personnel will remain on duty, around half of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees would be furloughed. Existing contracts will proceed, but new contracts could be delayed, except for those necessary to protect national security. Payments to defense contractors might also experience delays.

HOW DOES A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AFFECT LAW ENFORCEMENT?

Federal law enforcement personnel, including those from the FBI and DEA, will continue their duties, as will prison staff. The Secret Service and Coast Guard will maintain operations, while many consumer-protection workers at the Federal Trade Commission will be furloughed.

WILL NATIONAL PARKS CLOSE?

Most national parks, monuments, and sites will close to the public, although enforcing access restrictions may prove difficult. Rangers would be placed on furlough, and visitor facilities would be closed. Some states might fund park operations independently, reminiscent of actions taken during the previous shutdown.

WHAT ABOUT BORDER AND HOMELAND SECURITY?

Most Border Patrol and immigration enforcement workers, along with customs officers, would continue to operate. However, local aid for migrant shelters would not be available, and certain cybersecurity reviews would be put on hold.

WILL FEDERAL COURTS REMAIN OPEN?

Federal courts can function for several weeks without funding through fees and other resources, but eventually, operations will need to be scaled back. The Supreme Court will remain open, although most civil litigation may be delayed.

ARE CONGRESS MEMBERS AFFECTED?

Lawmakers would continue to receive their paychecks during a shutdown, while staffers would generally not be compensated, though essential staff would be required to work.

HOW DOES A SHUTDOWN IMPACT TRANSPORTATION?

Airport security and air traffic control personnel will remain at work, although there may be potential absenteeism issues. During past shutdowns, some airports had to suspend operations due to staff shortages. The Transportation Security Administration would be unable to hire new security screeners amid the peak travel season.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS?

U.S. embassies and consulates would stay open, and passport and visa processing will continue as long as sufficient fees are available to sustain operations. However, non-essential travel and some foreign aid programs may see reductions.

WILL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH BE DISRUPTED?

Research activities at agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation would be significantly curtailed, with many employees furloughed. NASA would maintain operations related to the International Space Station but would furlough the majority of its staff.

WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue monitoring disease outbreaks, but many additional public health activities could see interruptions. The National Institutes of Health will slow its initiatives, affecting clinical trials. Veteran and Native American healthcare services would not face disruptions.

FINANCIAL REGULATION EFFECTS

The Securities and Exchange Commission would furlough about 90% of its workforce, limiting its activities to a skeleton crew for emergencies. Meanwhile, some agencies like the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will function normally as they are funded by industry fees.

DOES A SHUTDOWN DELAY ECONOMIC DATA?

The release of significant economic data, including employment and inflation reports, would be suspended during a shutdown.

WHAT ABOUT THE IRS?

The Internal Revenue Service would cease tax return examinations and taxpayer assistance but would continue collecting automated tax payments. A significant portion of its workforce would be furloughed.

EFFECTS ON EDUCATION

Pell Grants and student loans will proceed, though staff furloughs may impede operations, potentially affecting funding for educational institutions if a shutdown is prolonged.

WILL HEAD START AND CHILD CARE BE IMPACTED?

The shutdown could result in approximately 10,000 low-income children losing access to the Head Start preschool program.

IMPACTS ON SMALL BUSINESSES

The Small Business Administration would halt new loan issuances, although disaster-related loans would still be available.

HOW WILL FARMERS BE AFFECTED?

While inspections for meat and eggs will continue, some agricultural lab services may be disrupted, complicating disease management efforts. Certain agricultural loan programs will be suspended alongside research and conservation initiatives.

HOW DOES A SHUTDOWN AFFECT WORKPLACE SAFETY?

Inspections related to workplace safety will be limited, with investigations into pay practices also suspended.

WHAT ABOUT HOUSING?

Monthly subsidies for public and low-income housing could face risks, although the Federal Housing Administration will continue its operations. New homebuyers might be unable to secure loans from the Department of Agriculture.

HOW WOULD THE WHITE HOUSE BE AFFECTED?

During the 2018-2019 shutdown, a significant portion of the Executive Office of the President was furloughed, but critical offices, such as the National Security Council, operated fully. The U.S. Constitution guarantees the continued payment of the president’s salary during such events.