With the deadline for funding the US government fast approaching on October 1, the possibility of a government shutdown looms large. Such a shutdown could have far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors and hundreds of thousands of federal workers. In this article, we provide an overview of what services would remain operational and what would face disruptions in the event of a government shutdown.
Military and National Security
Despite a government shutdown, the 2 million US military personnel would continue their duties. However, nearly half of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees would face furloughs. Critical contracts related to national security would proceed, but new contracts could be delayed, affecting defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and RTX.
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration would continue its essential work maintaining nuclear weapons.
Law Enforcement and Border Security
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), would operate as usual. Criminal prosecutions, including those involving former President Donald Trump, would continue. However, most civil litigation might be postponed. Border Patrol, immigration enforcement agents, customs officers, and the Secret Service would remain on duty.
Federal Courts and Congress
Federal courts have sufficient funding to operate until at least October 13, with potential scaled-back activities afterward. Congress members would continue to receive their paychecks, but staff would not, except for those deemed essential.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Airport security screeners and air-traffic control workers would be required to work, but absenteeism could pose challenges. Some infrastructure projects might face delays due to disrupted environmental reviews and permitting processes.
Foreign Affairs
US embassies and consulates would remain open, ensuring that passport and visa processing continues, as long as there are sufficient fees to cover operations. Some foreign aid programs could run out of funding.
National Parks and Natural Resources
The status of national parks and monuments during a shutdown remains uncertain. While many stayed open during a 2018-2019 shutdown with limited services, they were closed during a 2013 shutdown. Wildfire fighting efforts would continue, but timber sales and recreation permits might be affected.
Museums and Science
Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo would close in the event of a shutdown. Scientific research, including activities by agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, would be disrupted. NASA would maintain some critical functions but furlough most of its employees.
Health and Social Services
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would monitor disease outbreaks, but other public health activities could be hindered. The National Institutes of Health would furlough most of its staff, potentially delaying clinical trials. Some health services for military veterans and Native Americans would continue.
Financial Regulation and Economic Data
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) would furlough most of their employees. However, entities like the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency would continue unaffected. The publication of crucial US economic data would be suspended.
Social Security, Medicare, and Taxes
The Social Security Administration would continue to issue benefits, as would the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Military veterans’ benefits would also continue. Tax collection by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would proceed without interruption.
Disaster Response, Education, and Housing
FEMA might face funding shortages for disaster relief. Education and housing programs, including Pell Grants, student loans, and public housing subsidies, could be affected.
Labor, Waterways, and Child Care
Workplace safety inspections might be limited, and labor dispute mediation by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could be curtailed. The US Army Corps of Engineers would maintain critical operations. Childcare programs, including Head Start, could be impacted.
Small Business Support and Agriculture
The Small Business Administration might be unable to issue new loans. Meat and egg inspections would continue, but some agricultural services, lab services, and research programs would be disrupted.
White House Operations and Mail Delivery
White House operations could see furloughs among staff, potentially impacting ongoing legislative matters. The US Postal Service (USPS) would operate as usual, as it is not dependent on congressional funding.
As the deadline draws near, the impact of a potential government shutdown becomes more pressing. Decisions made by Congress in the coming days will determine whether government services continue uninterrupted or face disruptions, affecting both workers and the public.
Sources By Agencies
