Congress is facing a critical moment as it edges closer to a government shutdown, with no clear strategy to avert it.
Lawmakers are racing against the clock as funding efforts falter, primarily due to conflicts regarding the comprehensive provisions of the bill, which includes essential funding for farmers and areas affected by natural disasters.
With a deadline looming at midnight on Friday, failure to reach a consensus could have significant repercussions.
Federal Workers Brace for Uncertain Future
Essential federal workers may continue to work but face delayed payments, coinciding with the holiday season. Conversely, hundreds of thousands of employees could be furloughed, temporarily suspended from duty.
Federal agencies began issuing notifications to employees regarding potential furloughs, as stated by a White House representative.
“We still believe Congress has time to prevent a partial shutdown,” the representative emphasized. “However, in light of potential outcomes, we have initiated notifications to employees about possible furloughs.”
Agencies updated their shutdown plans in the fall of 2023, outlining how many employees would be furloughed and identifying those exempt due to their essential roles in safeguarding safety and fulfilling constitutional obligations.
Furloughs would only take effect if a shutdown persists beyond five days.
“A government shutdown would profoundly impact dedicated federal employees and the millions who rely on critical government services,” stated a union leader representing hundreds of thousands of civilian federal employees, many of whom are military veterans. “It is unacceptable to leave them without pay during the holidays.”
Active-duty military personnel will continue working, yet the Department of Defense employs over 700,000 civilians who could face furloughs. Additionally, most employees at crucial scientific agencies could also find themselves in a similar situation.
During past shutdowns, critical agencies like the IRS prepared for significant furloughs, leading to interruptions in taxpayer service and audits.
Federal contractors, who are not directly employed by the government, would not receive pay during the shutdown, unlike federal employees who typically receive back pay once the government reopens.
Expected Changes During a Shutdown
Anticipated disruptions include:
- Closure of national parks and museums
- Delays in federal lending to businesses and homebuyers
- A pause in new Pentagon contracts, although essential orders for national security could proceed
- Interruptions to programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels, potentially affecting thousands of vulnerable citizens
- No new loans from the Small Business Administration
Essential Services to Continue
- Disbursement of Social Security payments
- Continuation of Medicare and Medicaid benefits, though application processing may slow
- Veterans’ benefits will persist
- Nutrition assistance programs may carry on but could experience service interruptions during extended shutdowns
- Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, will remain operational
- Air traffic control and airport operations will continue, even without pay, unless employee absenteeism escalates
- Members of Congress will continue to receive paychecks while non-essential staff may be furloughed
- Postal services will operate normally
- Automated tax collection processes will remain functional
