The federal government officially initiated a closure late Wednesday night after Senate Democrats agreed to a short-term funding bill proposed by the GOP. This decision has significant implications.
While the President can influence how the shutdown affects various services, federal agencies primarily follow guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to navigate their operations during this period.
As a result, thousands of federal employees will have to work without pay until the situation is sorted out. Some may even lose their jobs, as indicated by an OMB memo released earlier this month.
Here’s a look at how the funding lapse impacts daily life for Americans.
Social Security
Social Security payments are considered mandatory federal spending, so beneficiaries, such as retirees and individuals with disabilities, should continue receiving their checks despite the shutdown. However, everyday operations at the Social Security Administration (SSA) might face challenges. This could affect functions like income verification, revenue updates, and replacement of Medicare cards.
Reports indicate that roughly 6,000 of the 52,000 SSA employees may be furloughed due to the shutdown, which will likely create obstacles in service delivery.
Aerial Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) anticipates that about 11,300 of its 45,000 employees will be impacted. Air traffic controllers, classified as essential, will continue to work, but without immediate pay. Routine aviation regulations and staff background checks will, unfortunately, pause during the closure.
This has repercussions, particularly since many aviation workers are juggling secondary jobs to make ends meet, adding stress to their already hectic schedules.
Military and Veterans
Approximately 45% of civilian employees in the military could face furlough. Even so, the Pentagon has stated it will maintain national defense and active military operations during the shutdown. Active-duty military members must report to work, but they, too, won’t receive pay until the closure wraps up.
Veterans’ healthcare facilities remain open, but some services, like career counseling and outreach programs, will be halted due to budget constraints.
Infrastructure Projects
During the shutdown, about $18 billion in infrastructure projects, particularly around New York City, will be suspended. This includes significant projects like new tunnels and railways under the Hudson River.
Healthcare
Medicare will continue to operate, which is a relief for many seniors. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed that Medicaid will also have sufficient funds for the year’s end. However, the shutdown will disrupt policy creation and monitoring, complicating matters for those needing support with claim disputes and other issues. Some telehealth services may also face interruptions.
Food Assistance
Federal food benefits, such as SNAP (Food Stamps) and WIC, are expected to continue for the short term, depending on available funds. While SNAP is likely secure through October, the WIC program may have to rely on unused funds from the previous fiscal year to operate adequately.
Many employees from the USDA who manage these programs may experience disruptions or be affected by furloughs, leading to potential delays in services.
