Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Fails to Reach Funding Deal
Amidst a stalemate in Congress over a funding deal, the US government is on the verge of a shutdown this week. As a result, federal departments and agencies have begun preparations to bring nonessential functions to a halt. The Office of Management and Budget has directed senior agency officials to update and review their shutdown plans. Each department and agency has its own set of procedures, including details on furloughed employees, essential workers who would continue working without pay, and the activities that would be affected.
The impact of a potential government shutdown extends far beyond federal employees, with all Americans likely to feel its effects. Air travel, for instance, could face massive disruptions as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration personnel continue to work without pay. During the previous shutdown in 2019, hundreds of TSA officers called out from work, resulting in longer wait times and delays at airports. Passport facilities could also close, according to the State Department’s guidance.
The economic implications of a shutdown could be staggering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would halt the release of key data, making it difficult for investors and the Federal Reserve to assess the state of the US economy. The Small Business Administration would not provide new loans, while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission would cease most of its operations, including market oversight.
Public health and safety would be at risk as well. While emergency public health measures and outbreak response would continue, other public health activities would be functioning at a reduced capacity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Food and Drug Administration could be forced to delay food safety inspections, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would have to limit workplace inspections, jeopardizing worker safety. Drinking water could also be affected, as the Environmental Protection Agency would roll back most of its inspection activity at hazardous waste sites and drinking water facilities.
Arts, culture, and outdoor activities would also face disruptions. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo would be closed, and some presidential libraries would shut their doors. National parks may see closures, leading to trash buildup, overflowing toilets, and potential vandalism.
Education and student aid programs would experience disruptions as well. The Department of Education warns of potential delays in processing applications for federal student aid and disbursing student loans. Schools could face funding challenges, and programs like Head Start could be impacted, affecting thousands of children. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would continue through October, but the future of the program beyond that remains uncertain.
Additionally, a government shutdown would affect low-income tenants who rely on federal assistance to pay their rent. During the previous shutdown, the Department of Housing and Urban Development was unable to renew contracts with private building owners, leading to potential delays in repairs and the suspension of services like transportation and after-school care.
The Federal Election Commission, responsible for safeguarding elections, would also face disruptions if the government shuts down.
With the consequences of a government shutdown looming, the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, is calling on Congress to pass a budget and prevent a shutdown. The union represents a wide range of employees, including health care professionals, law enforcement officers, and park rangers.
As the deadline for a funding deal rapidly approaches, the fate of the government hangs in the balance, and the impact on American citizens and essential services remains uncertain.