(Nexstar) – The U.S. government could face its first shutdown in seven years in just a few hours, mainly due to disagreements over healthcare and spending. The Senate is set to vote on a funding proposal Tuesday night, but reports suggest that progress might be stalled.
If an agreement isn’t reached before the deadline on October 1, federal employees could receive termination notices or be put on a return-to-work (RIF) list. This would also affect several popular tourist sites like the Smithsonian Museum, U.S. Capitol tours, and the National Zoo. National parks may close as well, and some air traffic controllers and TSA agents are expected to work without pay, which might delay flights. Previously, during a shutdown, many of those employees opted not to show up for work.
Yet, it’s important to note that several government services will still operate.
Social Security and veteran benefits will continue, and programs like Medicare and Medicaid will remain available.
But what about food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC?
This year, just before the government avoided a shutdown, the Biden administration warned that WIC, which supports 7 million mothers and children, could be at risk without adequate federal food aid. As we approach a potential partial shutdown in 2024, officials indicated that while WIC could function temporarily, they might have to prioritize certain beneficiaries.
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC serves low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children.
SNAP, which provides food assistance to low-income families nationwide, operates a bit differently. Monthly benefits are funded based on previous months’ allocations, so benefits could still be issued in October as expected, according to a USDA spokesperson.
That’s what a spokesperson told Nexstar on Tuesday, adding that the USDA is ready for various scenarios regarding departmental operations and critical services.
However, the Food Research and Action Center has raised concerns, warning that if states don’t receive timely guidance from the USDA, November SNAP benefits could be delayed or even halted. States manage distributing SNAP funds to EBT vendors, which load benefits onto recipients’ cards.
The nonprofit organization also warned that WIC could face funding shortages if states haven’t received their allotted funds for the upcoming fiscal year, indicating a potential reliance on internal funds to keep WIC operating.
On a somewhat related note, there are concerns that funding for WIC might run out by October, with vague suggestions from a senior official in the Trump administration.
The latest on potential government shutdowns
As of Tuesday at 12:30 PM, time is running out for a resolution, with a government shutdown looming.
Specifically, if the Senate doesn’t approve the House measures to extend federal funding, a shutdown is set for 12:01 AM Wednesday. Senate Democrats are insisting on health benefit extensions as part of the negotiations, while Republicans are holding firm, calling for a “clean” bill without concessions.
“Only the president can solve this. I think he’s putting on a show here,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer remarked, expressing frustration over the lack of progress following a bipartisan meeting just the day before. Schumer accused Republicans of trying to undermine negotiations.
“Republicans need to get serious with us before midnight,” he added.
In the wake of this, Trump shared a mocking video of Democrats online, commenting on their previous election defeat.
This would mark Trump’s first government shutdown since he took office in December 2018, a prolonged closure that lasted until January 2019, resulting in significant airport delays and disruptions to federal workers’ pay.
