Government shutdown: Open and closed
Government Shutdown: Impacts and Operations
As Congress grapples with finding a solution to avert a government shutdown before funding expires on Sept. 30, the potential consequences loom large. If legislation to renew funding is not passed by the deadline, the government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. With hard-line Republicans advocating for significant spending cuts, the likelihood of a shutdown is high.
How Your Social Security Payments Will Be Affected
Aside from the financial strain on millions of federal employees, there are concerns about which services and facilities will be affected by a government shutdown.
What Will Close?
A shutdown would trigger numerous disruptions, impacting the daily operations of hundreds and thousands of federal government employees. While federal courts will remain open for at least two weeks, until Oct. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court should remain unaffected.
Entities that rely on federal funds, such as the Smithsonian Museums, National Zoo, and National Gallery of Art, may be forced to close if they lack the necessary funds. During the longest government shutdown in history, which occurred from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019, museums managed to stay open for several days.
The National Arboretum and the Library of Congress buildings are scheduled to be closed, and some national parks may also shut down, although an official decision has yet to be made. Previous shutdowns have resulted in overflowing trash cans and neglected conditions in these areas.
White House tours will be suspended, and the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center will be closed to the public.
What Will Remain Open?
Despite other agencies temporarily halting their operations, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue functioning without interruption during a government shutdown. The USPS is self-funded through its product and sales revenue, not relying on Congress for funding.
Airports will remain open, but travel delays may occur nationwide depending on the duration of the shutdown. Reduced security checkpoints and staffing shortages, as experienced in previous shutdowns, could lead to longer wait times. The Transportation Security Administration may face a shortage of qualified workers due to paused paychecks.
Day-to-day operations in Washington D.C., such as the Department of Public Works and the Department of Motor Vehicles, will continue as they are locally operated and funded, separate from the federal government.
The Metro, including buses and other public transportation options, will also remain operational. While Metro ridership has been increasing after the pandemic’s impact on teleworking, a potential lull may occur as many riders are federal employees, according to Metro General Manager Randy Clarke.
A variety of D.C. attractions, museums, and historic sites will remain open, including the National Building Museum, the Museum of the Marine Corps, the International Spy Museum, the Museum of Illusions, and President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Public libraries and D.C. government-operated public parks are also set to remain open.
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What lessons can be learned from previous government shutdowns, and what measures could Congress take to mitigate the impact of future shutdowns and ensure the continuity of critical operations
Y of Congress would likely close as well. In addition, national parks and monuments may shut down or operate with limited services. This means that visitors may not have access to certain areas or facilities, and services such as guided tours, park rangers, and campgrounds may be unavailable.
Essential Services and Operations
Despite a government shutdown, some services deemed essential will continue to operate. This includes national security and defense, air traffic control, border patrol, and emergency and disaster response. The Postal Service will also continue to deliver mail, and Social Security checks will still be issued, although new applications may be delayed. Additionally, the Federal Reserve will continue to function, ensuring the stability of the financial system.
However, the impact of a government shutdown extends beyond federal employees and institutions. It affects the economy as a whole, with businesses that rely on government contracts or funding facing uncertainties and potential disruptions. Small businesses that depend on loans from government agencies may also face delays in receiving funding or assistance.
Previous Shutdowns and Lessons Learned
The United States has experienced several government shutdowns in the past, and each time, the impact has been significant. The most recent shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted for 35 days, making it the longest in history. It resulted in an estimated $11 billion in lost economic output, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Federal employees faced financial hardships, with many forced to take unpaid leave or seek temporary employment.
Lessons can be learned from previous shutdowns to mitigate the impact of future shutdowns. One option is for Congress to pass legislation to ensure that essential services and employees are funded even during a shutdown. This would help ensure that critical operations continue to run smoothly and minimize disruptions to the public and the economy.
The Need for a Long-Term Solution
The recurring issue of government shutdowns underscores the need for a long-term solution. Rather than relying on temporary funding measures, Congress should work towards bipartisan solutions to pass timely and sustainable budgets to fund government operations. This would provide stability and continuity, avoiding the harmful consequences of shutdowns on the economy and the American people.
Government shutdowns disrupt the lives of federal employees, hinder essential services, and negatively impact the economy. It is crucial that Congress takes appropriate measures to avert a shutdown and address the underlying issues that lead to these crises. The American people deserve a government that functions efficiently and reliably, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its citizens.
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