Another potential government shutdown is on the horizon. This may feel like déjà vu because Americans recently faced a similar situation in December, when federal spending was at risk of running out and Congress was slow to pass the necessary legislation. Luckily, a bipartisan spending bill was passed just in time to prevent a shutdown before the winter holidays, sparing thousands of federal employees from being furloughed.
Now, Republicans are optimistic about a proposal to extend current funding through the fiscal year ending on September 30. However, nothing is certain until the legislation is officially approved before the looming deadline on Friday.
If the government were to shut down, most federal workers would be required to cease work and go without pay. This would also mean that nonessential services, such as food inspections and certain federal health services, would be paused, as noted by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
During past shutdowns and based on the most recent White House plan outlined in 2023, it is expected that certain government employees would continue to work while others are furloughed. The clock is ticking towards the potential government shutdown, with House Republicans introducing a six-month stopgap bill.
Federal funding is set to run out by the end of the day on Friday, March 14. If a new funding bill is not passed by then, a shutdown would be triggered. In the event of a shutdown, many federal agencies and programs relying on annual funding would be halted, with nonessential workers furloughed until funding is secured. Essential service employees, such as those in defense, energy, and agriculture, would continue to work without pay, with the promise of receiving retroactive wages later.
In a shutdown, federal agencies follow their own shutdown plans based on past experiences and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. Furloughed employees are temporarily ordered not to work and do not receive pay due to lack of budgeted funds. Fortunately, legislation passed in January 2019 guarantees back pay for furloughed employees.
Law enforcement agencies like the FBI, DEA, and prison staff would remain operational during a shutdown, as well as certain transportation services such as the TSA and air traffic controllers. Despite the potential shutdown, travel plans are unlikely to be disrupted.
Security officials at airports and air-traffic control workers would be required to work during a government shutdown. However, past shutdowns have seen some airport staff fail to report to work, leading to certain operations being suspended. The TSA would also be unable to hire new airport security screeners.
The US Postal Service, which does not rely on Congressional funding, would continue delivering mail as usual, regardless of a government shutdown.
The 2 million US military personnel would remain on duty during a government shutdown, while roughly half of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees would be furloughed. Nuclear security operations would continue, ensuring the maintenance of nuclear weapons.
During a government shutdown, national parks, monuments, and other sites would technically be closed to the public, with limited access and no staff available to maintain the facilities. In previous shutdowns, some national parks closed entirely, while others remained open but fell into disarray due to lack of maintenance.
Some essential IRS operations would continue during a government shutdown, thanks to funds provided in the Inflation Reduction Act. NASA would maintain some operations, including tracking satellites and supporting astronauts in orbit, albeit with a reduced workforce.
Lawmakers would continue to receive pay during a government shutdown, while some nonessential staff may be furloughed. The White House would also scale back its operations during a shutdown, with essential offices like the National Security Council continuing to operate.
Most federal workers and contractors affected by a government shutdown would be eligible for unemployment benefits. They can file for unemployment in the jurisdictions where they work, not where they live.
(Source: USA TODAY)
