A Government Shutdown is in Four Days, Here's What You Need to Know

As the clock ticks toward midnight on Friday, March 14th, the United States faces the real possibility of a government shutdown if Congress fails to pass new legislation to fund federal operations. At the heart of the current impasse is a spending bill unveiled by House Republicans, which aims to fund the government through September using a mechanism known as a continuing resolution. However, the bill has sparked significant opposition within the Democratic caucus, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly announcing that his members will vote against it.

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This leaves House Republicans in a precarious position: for the bill to pass, they can afford to lose only one or two votes from within their own party. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Several weeks ago, Republicans advanced the budget process using a legislative maneuver called reconciliation, which means that the bill only requires a simple majority to pass in the House of Representatives and a majority in the Senate. In theory, this approach should allow Republicans to move forward without needing Democratic support. However, the critical challenge they face now is maintaining unity within their own caucus, a task that is currently in question.

The proposed spending bill includes a range of controversial provisions that have fueled dissent. Among the cuts outlined in the legislation are reductions to police grants, funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund—which helps care for veterans exposed to harmful substances like burn pits and Agent Orange—and environmental grants. Healthcare grants (excluding Medicaid) would also face significant reductions, raising concerns about the potential impact on vital services.

If the government does shutdown, here’s what to expect.

Federal Employees Will Be Furloughed.

First, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed without pay. The moment the government runs out of funding, all government employees will officially lose their paycheck, with only essential employees being required to work. Essential employees include those relating to our nation's security and public safety. Because of this, TSA agents, Border Patrol, most federal prosecutors and other essential employees will remain working. However, they will not be paid during the shutdown. Meanwhile, all employees not deemed "essential" will be furloughed without pay for the duration of the shutdown. Once the government shutdown is lifted, all federal employees will receive backpay.

National Parks Will Close.

Second, national parks will either close or run understaffed. In several past government shutdowns, national parks closed completely, however during the most recent shutdown in 2019, many parks remained open with minimal staff. These parks, if they remain open this time around, will likely function without restroom, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance.

Social Security Benefits Will Be Impacted.

Third, Social Security and Medicare will be severely affected. Although payments will continue as scheduled, it is likely that both federal programs will cease accepting new applicants and will not issue new cards to applicants. During the 1995-96 shutdown, over 10,000 applicants were turned away.

EPA Inspections Could Stop.

Fourth, it is likely that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop all site inspection for areas that contain hazardous waste, drinking water, and chemical facilities, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could halt or delay inspections of facilities and/ or products. Both have previously occurred, once during the 2012 shutdown and again in 2019.

Air Travel Could Be Impacted.

Fifth, air travel will be impacted. Although TSA agents and air traffic control will continue to operate, consumers will face longer lines and longer wait times at the airports as fewer agents will be staffed during this time.